Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Canton, MI: $67,731 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Canton, MI earns a median $67,731/year (≈ $32.56/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Canton's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $72,673 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Canton, Michigan, features a projected median annual salary of $67,731 for occupational therapy assistants in 2026, aligning closely with local economic conditions and demand for services. The salary range spans from $49,567 at the 10th percentile to $86,702 at the 90th percentile, illustrating both entry-level and experienced potential compensation. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS state-level data adjusted for regional price variations. With the local market for occupational therapy assistants expected to grow at an annual rate of 2.81%, the job outlook appears promising for those entering this field, particularly in settings that prioritize productivity.
About the Canton Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,567 | $23.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,509 | $28.13 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $67,731 | $32.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76,014 | $36.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86,702 | $41.68 |
Median Salary Position
8.88% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Canton
In Canton, MI, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,135 (2026 est.). At $67,731, the local median is 8.88% below the national median of $74,332.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Canton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Canton Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Canton median: $67,731/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Canton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $69,255 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -8.88% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Canton, MI earn a median of $67,731 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.88% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 2.20% below the Michigan state average of $69,255.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Canton 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.
Canton, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $67,731 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $72,673 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$56,048
2025 BLS Actual
$65,880
2026 Current Est.
$67,731
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Canton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,048 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,351 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,249 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,545 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,060 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,317 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,880 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,731 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,634 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Canton metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $56,048 (2019) to $65,880 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $69,634 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,586 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Canton 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) | $49,567 – $58,509 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,509 – $67,731 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $67,731 – $76,014 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $76,014 – $86,702 |
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 Canton
In Canton, there are currently 25 occupational therapy assistants employed, reflecting a stable yet competitive job market. The cost of living index stands at 93.2, suggesting that salaries offer reasonable purchasing power in relation to local living expenses. Among various employers in the area, skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation settings generally provide the highest pay, often compensating for the demands of weekend or PRN shifts. Factors like productivity demands and the impacts of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut can influence salary spreads significantly, making it essential for occupational therapy assistants to consider positions that offer year-round contracts for more consistent income. For those looking to maximize their occupational therapy assistant pay in Canton MI, pursuing opportunities in higher-paying settings and advocating for continued professional development through COTA-to-MOT bridge pathways can be effective strategies.
More salary data for Canton, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Canton, MI in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Canton?
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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 $65,880 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Canton 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 Canton 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