Grants Pass vs Portland: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Grants Pass, OR and Portland, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Grants Pass, OR | Portland, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $73,642 | $80,850▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $35.41 | $38.87▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,754 | $67,022▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $65,316 | $73,499▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $80,556 | $86,638▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $89,783 | $93,968▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 170▲ |
Verdict
Portland, OR offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Grants Pass.
The salary gap between Grants Pass and Portland is $7,208 (9.79%). Portland's median is +8.77% compared to the US national median of $74,332.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Grants Pass spans $33,029,Portland spans $26,946. Grants Pass has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Portland ($76,692 effective) pays 6.85% more than Grants Pass ($71,776 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Grants Pass if…
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($80,850/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($93,968)
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,692)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Grants Pass grew 0.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 25.2% growth in Portland over the same period.
Grants Pass, OR
$71,332 (2024) → $71,629 (2025)
Portland, OR
$62,790 (2019) → $78,640 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grants Pass, OR
Portland, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Grants Pass or Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Grants Pass and Portland?
Should I relocate from Grants Pass to Portland as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Grants Pass vs Portland?
Written by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as an occupational therapist. Their specialty is working with children with developmental disorders. They have worked in various healthcare settings including schools and rehabilitation facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.81% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapy assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov