Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Henderson, KY: $64,915 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Henderson, KY earns a median $64,915/year (≈ $31.21/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Henderson's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $72,693 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Henderson, Kentucky, the projected median annual occupational therapy assistant salary for 2026 is $64,915. This figure sits notably lower than the national median of $74,332, reflecting a regional pay scale influenced by local economic factors. The salary range for occupational therapy assistants in this area spans from $45,832 at the 10th percentile to a maximum of $80,906 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price parities, suggest a competitive yet varied salary landscape. As the demand for occupational therapy services rises, particularly due to the ongoing transitions from COTA to MOT pathways, this market shows potential for growth, making Henderson an intriguing locale for aspiring occupational therapy assistants.
About the Henderson Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,832 | $22.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57,127 | $27.46 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,915 | $31.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68,100 | $32.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80,906 | $38.89 |
Median Salary Position
12.67% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Henderson
In Henderson, KY, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,074 (2026 est.). At $64,915, the local median is 12.67% below the national median of $74,332.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Henderson: You'd be above the median
How Henderson Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Henderson median: $64,915/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Henderson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $66,376 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -12.67% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Henderson, KY earn a median of $64,915 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.67% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 2.20% below the Kentucky state average of $66,376.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Henderson 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.
Henderson, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $64,915 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $72,693 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,718
2025 BLS Actual
$63,141
2026 Current Est.
$64,915
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Henderson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,718 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,967 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,910 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,111 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,521 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,639 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,141 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,915 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,739 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Henderson metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $53,718 (2019) to $63,141 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,739 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,021 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Henderson 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) | $45,832 – $57,127 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $57,127 – $64,915 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,915 – $68,100 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $68,100 – $80,906 |
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 Henderson
Examining the job market for occupational therapy assistants in Henderson, we see that there are currently four professionals employed in this field. The cost of living index of 89.3 underscores the affordability of life in Henderson compared to national averages, which can enhance the take-home purchasing power for occupational therapy assistant pay in Henderson, KY. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities typically offer the highest compensation, while school district contracts often yield lower pay due to set budgets and the impact of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut that has affected various settings since 2022. This disparity is driven by differences in productivity expectations, the setting of care, and contract terms. For those looking to maximize their earning potential in Henderson, targeting opportunities in skilled facilities or pursuing roles with added responsibilities, such as PRN positions that may offer weekend incentives, could lead to better compensation outcomes while advancing professional credentials through the transition from COTA to MOT.
More salary data for Henderson, KY:
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 $63,141 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Henderson 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 Henderson 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