Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Ann Arbor, MI: $70,975 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Ann Arbor, MI earns a median $70,975/year (≈ $34.12/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Ann Arbor's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $76,153 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% above the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the occupational therapy assistant salary in Ann Arbor is projected to reach a median of $70,975, positioning local professionals slightly below the national median of $74,332. The salary range here varies significantly, with entry-level positions earning approximately $48,339 and experienced professionals making up to $86,671. These estimates are drawn from 2025 BLS data and account for regional cost adjustments. The division of settings—skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and schools—drives distinct pay scales in the area, significantly influenced by the lingering impacts of Medicare cuts on reimbursement rates. Like many similar markets, the post-COVID environment has reshaped demand, adding complexity to salary negotiations for occupational therapy assistants in this vibrant college town.
About the Ann Arbor Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,339 | $23.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,751 | $28.24 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $70,975 | $34.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76,882 | $36.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86,671 | $41.67 |
Median Salary Position
4.52% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ann Arbor
In Ann Arbor, MI, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,332 (2026 est.). At $70,975, the local median is 4.52% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Ann Arbor: You'd be above the median
How Ann Arbor Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Ann Arbor median: $70,975/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ann Arbor Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $69,244 | +2.50% more |
| National Average | $74,332 | -4.52% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Ann Arbor, MI earn a median of $70,975 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.52% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 2.50% above the Michigan state average of $69,244.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ann Arbor has a cost of living 6.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ann Arbor, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $70,975 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $76,153 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$58,732
2025 BLS Actual
$69,035
2026 Current Est.
$70,975
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Ann Arbor (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,732 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,098 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,360 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,510 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,500 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,460 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,035 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,975 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,969 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ann Arbor metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $58,732 (2019) to $69,035 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $72,969 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,237 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ann Arbor 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) | $48,339 – $58,751 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,751 – $70,975 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $70,975 – $76,882 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $76,882 – $86,671 |
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 Ann Arbor
The employment landscape in Ann Arbor features a modest pool of 24 occupational therapy assistants, underscoring a competitive job market. With a cost-of-living index of 93.2, purchasing power is relatively favorable when considering salary levels within the context of local expenses. Among employers, inpatient rehab centers tend to offer the highest salaries, thanks in part to their need for skilled professionals that meet productivity standards and coverage requirements that regular outpatient settings may not face. Variability in salaries reflects the differences in work settings and the ongoing challenges from the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut, which particularly affects roles within skilled nursing facilities. To maximize pay in Ann Arbor MI, professionals should consider pursuing opportunities in hospital systems over schools or SNFs while also exploring year-round contracts that can alleviate financial pressure from summer breaks common in educational settings.
More salary data for Ann Arbor, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Ann Arbor, MI in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Ann Arbor?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapy assistant salary in Ann Arbor?
How much does a occupational therapy assistant make per hour in Ann Arbor?
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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 $69,035 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Ann Arbor 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 Ann Arbor 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