Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Meridian, ID: $71,103 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Meridian, ID earns a median $71,103/year (≈ $34.18/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Meridian's price level (5% below national, BEA RPP 95.3), that paycheck buys what $74,610 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.4% above the Idaho state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The projected occupational therapy assistant salary in Meridian, Idaho, is estimated at $71,103 for 2026, slightly below the national figure of $74,332. This pay range is influenced by the current post-Medicare cut realities impacting skilled nursing facilities, which often offer lower compensation compared to hospital roles and contracts within school districts. With salaries spanning from $51,924 at the 10th percentile to $90,913 at the 90th percentile, the local job market reflects both the diverse settings where COTAs work and the varying expectations attached to each. Meridian's occupational therapy system operates under the guidance of both state regulations and Medicare’s reimbursement structures, which can further shape compensation dynamics.
About the Meridian Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,924 | $24.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61,345 | $29.50 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $71,103 | $34.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76,877 | $36.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90,913 | $43.70 |
Median Salary Position
4.34% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Meridian
In Meridian, ID, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,989 (2026 est.). At $71,103, the local median is 4.34% below the national median of $74,332.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Meridian: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Meridian Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Meridian median: $71,103/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Meridian Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Idaho Average | $70,820 | +0.40% more |
| National Average | $74,332 | -4.34% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Meridian, ID earn a median of $71,103 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.34% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 0.40% above the Idaho state average of $70,820.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Meridian 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.
Meridian, ID has a cost-of-living index of 95.3 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $71,103 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $74,610 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$58,839
2025 BLS Actual
$69,160
2026 Current Est.
$71,103
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Meridian (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,839 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,207 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,049 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,460 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,100 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,220 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,160 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,103 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,101 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Meridian metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $58,839 (2019) to $69,160 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $73,101 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,262 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Meridian 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) | $51,924 – $61,345 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $61,345 – $71,103 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $71,103 – $76,877 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $76,877 – $90,913 |
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 Meridian
At present, there are 30 occupational therapy assistants employed in Meridian, showcasing a stable demand for skilled practitioners. The local cost of living index, at 95.3, suggests that though pay may appear lower relative to national averages, it allows for reasonable purchasing power in the region. Employers in settings such as inpatient rehabilitation hospitals and outpatient clinics tend to offer higher wages compared to skilled nursing facilities. Variations in pay can be attributed to factors such as the setting’s complexity, productivity expectations, and the effect of the recent Medicare reimbursement cuts on services provided. To maximize pay, COTAs should consider pursuing roles in high-demand environments, staying informed about district contracts, and being open to diverse settings, including home health agencies and early intervention programs.
More salary data for Meridian, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Meridian?
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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 $69,160 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Meridian 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 Meridian 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