Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Richmond, KY: $65,357 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Richmond, KY earns a median $65,357/year (≈ $31.42/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Richmond's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $73,188 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, occupational therapy assistants in Richmond, Kentucky can expect a median annual salary of $65,357. This figure reflects the local labor market conditions, with salaries ranging from $46,885 at the lower end (P10) to $75,990 at the upper end (P90). These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost considerations. Given that the national median salary for this profession is pegged at $74,332, occupational therapy assistant pay in Richmond KY falls approximately 12.07% below the national average. As the demand for occupational therapy services continues to grow, driven by evolving healthcare needs, the local workforce may see increasing opportunities in this field.
About the Richmond Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,885 | $22.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,535 | $26.70 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,357 | $31.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70,505 | $33.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75,990 | $36.54 |
Median Salary Position
12.07% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Richmond
In Richmond, KY, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,105 (2026 est.). At $65,357, the local median is 12.07% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Richmond: You'd be above the median
How Richmond Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Richmond median: $65,357/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Richmond Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $66,353 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -12.07% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Richmond, KY earn a median of $65,357 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.07% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.50% below the Kentucky state average of $66,353.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Richmond 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.
Richmond, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $65,357 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $73,188 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$54,084
2025 BLS Actual
$63,571
2026 Current Est.
$65,357
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Richmond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,084 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,341 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,277 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,493 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,920 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,032 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,571 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,357 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,194 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Richmond metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $54,084 (2019) to $63,571 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,194 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,110 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Richmond 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) | $46,885 – $55,535 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,535 – $65,357 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,357 – $70,505 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $70,505 – $75,990 |
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 Richmond
Given that there are only five occupational therapy assistants currently employed in Richmond, the local job market remains relatively small and competitive. With a cost-of-living index of 89.3, individuals working in Richmond may find their take-home pay stretches further than in more expensive areas, offering a slight buffer against salary disparities. Those looking to enhance their pay should consider employment settings that traditionally offer higher compensation, such as hospital inpatient rehabilitation and home health agencies. Factors influencing the variance in salaries include productivity expectations and the impact of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut on service rates, particularly in skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics. Aspiring professionals can maximize their earnings by pursuing additional credentials, such as the COTA-to-MOT bridge pathway, to position themselves for roles that command higher wages and increased responsibility.
More salary data for Richmond, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Richmond, KY in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Richmond?
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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 $63,571 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Richmond 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 Richmond 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