Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Frankfort, KY: $65,023 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Frankfort, KY earns a median $65,023/year (≈ $31.26/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Frankfort's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $72,814 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Frankfort, KY, can expect a median annual salary of $65,023 in 2026, which falls below the national median of $74,332, representing a 12.52% difference. Pay ranges significantly in the region, from $46,363 for those in the bottom 10% to as high as $81,253 for the top 90%. This forecast for earnings, derived from 2025 BLS Occupational Employment Statistics data projected for 2026, reflects not only the specific economic conditions of Frankfort but also the broader context of the healthcare industry. As occupational therapy assistants consider pathways to advance their careers and potential salary increases through bridge programs to a Master's degree (MOT), the local job market presents opportunities to earn more, particularly in environments that support further specialization and enhanced responsibility.
About the Frankfort Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,363 | $22.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,839 | $26.36 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,023 | $31.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69,745 | $33.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81,253 | $39.07 |
Median Salary Position
12.52% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Frankfort
In Frankfort, KY, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,890 (2026 est.). At $65,023, the local median is 12.52% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Frankfort: You'd be above the median
How Frankfort Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Frankfort median: $65,023/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Frankfort Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $66,350 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -12.52% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Frankfort, KY earn a median of $65,023 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.52% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 2.00% below the Kentucky state average of $66,350.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Frankfort has a cost of living 10.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Frankfort, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $65,023 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $72,814 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,807
2025 BLS Actual
$63,246
2026 Current Est.
$65,023
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Frankfort (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,807 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,058 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,000 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,204 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,618 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,735 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,246 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,023 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,850 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Frankfort metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $53,807 (2019) to $63,246 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,850 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,043 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Frankfort 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) | $46,363 – $54,839 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,839 – $65,023 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,023 – $69,745 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $69,745 – $81,253 |
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 Frankfort
Examining the local job market reveals a tight grouping of just six occupational therapy assistants in Frankfort, indicating a small yet focused workforce. The area's cost-of-living index stands at 89.3, suggesting that residents can enjoy their salaries with relatively lower living expenses compared to the national average. Among employers, skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics tend to offer the highest wages, largely due to varying demands and productivity expectations. The disparity in compensation can often be attributed to settings; for example, hospital roles may offer more consistent hours, while positions in schools or home health agencies might provide less stability but appeal to those seeking a different lifestyle. To maximize earnings in this market, occupational therapy assistants should consider weekend shifts, continuous education opportunities, and specialized certifications to offset the impact of recent Medicare reimbursement cuts and remain competitive in attracting higher-paying roles within the healthcare continuum.
More salary data for Frankfort, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Career Resources
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 $63,246 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Frankfort 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 Frankfort 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