Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Savannah, GA: $74,147 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Savannah, GA earns a median $74,147/year (≈ $35.64/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Savannah's price level (5% below national, BEA RPP 95.2), that paycheck buys what $77,881 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.1% above the Georgia state average.
Official BLS data · View source
Savannah's occupational therapy assistants can expect a median annual salary of $74,147 in 2026, reflecting a slight dip compared to the national median of $74,332. The salary range varies significantly, from $50,305 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $88,941 at the upper 90th percentile. This data, derived from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) surveys, indicates a competitive salary landscape for those in the field. For occupational therapy assistants considering the transition to a master’s degree program, also known as the COTA-to-MOT bridge, this investment can significantly enhance lifetime earnings and open additional career opportunities in Savannah's healthcare environment.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,305 | $24.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64,781 | $31.14 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $74,147 | $35.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81,837 | $39.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88,941 | $42.76 |
Median Salary Position
0.25% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Savannah
In Savannah, GA, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,636 (2026 est.). At $74,147, the local median is 0.25% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Savannah: You'd be above the median
How Savannah Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Savannah median: $74,147/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Savannah Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Average | $69,231 | +7.10% more |
| National Average | $74,332 | -0.25% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Savannah, GA earn a median of $74,147 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.25% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 7.10% above the Georgia state average of $69,231.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Savannah has a cost of living 4.79% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Savannah, GA has a cost-of-living index of 95.206 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $74,147 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $77,881 in an average-cost city — an effective 5.04% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$59,740
2025 BLS Actual
$72,120
2026 Current Est.
$74,147
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Savannah (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,740 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,740 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,576 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,520 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,430 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,310 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,120 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,147 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,230 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Savannah metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 20.7% from $59,740 (2019) to $72,120 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $76,230 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,490 (27.60%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Savannah metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.81% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $50,305 – $64,781 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $64,781 – $74,147 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $74,147 – $81,837 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $81,837 – $88,941 |
OTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapy assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Market in Savannah
With approximately 40 occupational therapy assistants currently employed in Savannah, the local job market remains robust. The cost of living index sits at 95.206, meaning that while salaries are slightly below the national average, the lower cost of living may enhance overall buying power. Among various employers, skilled nursing facilities typically offer higher wages, while salaries can be lower in school district roles, mainly due to differing funding structures and productivity expectations. The ongoing 15% Medicare reimbursement cut for OTA services has also strained wage growth in some areas, especially in skilled nursing and outpatient settings, further explaining the gap between entry-level and experienced pay. To maximize compensation in Savannah, it is advisable for occupational therapy assistants to seek roles in higher-paying environments, negotiate effectively, and consider working additional hours during weekends or follow PRN opportunities when available.
More salary data for Savannah, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Savannah, GA in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Savannah?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $72,120 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Savannah metropolitan area. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.81%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapy assistants (SOC 31-2011).
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