Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Caldwell, ID: $71,395 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Caldwell, ID earns a median $71,395/year (≈ $34.33/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Caldwell's price level (5% below national, BEA RPP 95.3), that paycheck buys what $74,916 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% above the Idaho state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Caldwell, Idaho, the projected median annual income for occupational therapy assistants is set at $71,395 in 2026. This figure reflects the local compensation landscape, which ranges from $48,227 at the 10th percentile to $86,001 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost variations, reveal a competitive pay environment, especially when compared to the national median salary of $74,332. The variation in salaries primarily arises from the structural divide between different employment settings, notably skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), schools, and hospitals. The current job market reflects ongoing adjustments in the wake of recent Medicare cuts, which have significantly impacted reimbursement rates in various sectors, shaping potential earnings for COTAs in Caldwell.
About the Caldwell Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,227 | $23.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62,723 | $30.15 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $71,395 | $34.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76,892 | $36.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86,001 | $41.35 |
Median Salary Position
3.95% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Caldwell
In Caldwell, ID, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,774 (2026 est.). At $71,395, the local median is 3.95% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Caldwell: You'd be above the median
How Caldwell Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Caldwell median: $71,395/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Caldwell Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Idaho Average | $70,829 | +0.80% more |
| National Average | $74,332 | -3.95% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Caldwell, ID earn a median of $71,395 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.95% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 0.80% above the Idaho state average of $70,829.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Caldwell has a cost of living 4.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Caldwell, ID has a cost-of-living index of 95.3 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $71,395 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $74,916 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$59,080
2025 BLS Actual
$69,444
2026 Current Est.
$71,395
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Caldwell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,080 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,454 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,292 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,712 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,363 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,471 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,444 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,395 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,402 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Caldwell metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $59,080 (2019) to $69,444 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $73,402 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,322 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Caldwell 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) | $48,227 – $62,723 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $62,723 – $71,395 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $71,395 – $76,892 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $76,892 – $86,001 |
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 Caldwell
With only eight occupational therapy assistants currently employed in Caldwell, the market remains tight, but the cost-of-living index of 95.3 suggests that salaries in the area allow for reasonable purchasing power. The local job landscape indicates that hospital inpatient rehabilitation tends to offer the highest pay, outpacing other employers such as school district contracts and outpatient clinics. Factors influencing the salary range include setting type, expectations for productivity, and the impact of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut. For those seeking to maximize their earnings, pursuing contracts in higher-paying hospital settings, working on weekends, or exploring PRN roles can lead to better financial outcomes. Additionally, considering the shift toward COTA-to-MOT bridge pathways may provide not only career advancement but also increased earning potential within the profession.
More salary data for Caldwell, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $69,444 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Caldwell 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
Salary data for Caldwell is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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