Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Livonia, MI: $68,242 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Livonia, MI earns a median $68,242/year (≈ $32.81/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Livonia's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $73,221 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Livonia, Michigan, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $68,242 in 2026. With a salary range spanning from $50,753 at the 10th percentile to $81,548 at the 90th percentile, COTAs in this area must navigate the complexities of different employment settings. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), schools, and hospitals each present unique compensation scenarios, particularly in light of the challenges presented by the recent Medicare cuts. Local estimates derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and adjusted for regional cost disparities illustrate how Livonia's job market is adapting to these changes, impacting overall pay trends for occupational therapy assistants.
About the Livonia Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,753 | $24.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59,560 | $28.63 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $68,242 | $32.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73,102 | $35.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81,548 | $39.20 |
Median Salary Position
8.19% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Livonia
In Livonia, MI, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $30,795 (2026 est.). At $68,242, the local median is 8.19% below the national median of $74,332.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Livonia: You'd be above the median
How Livonia Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Livonia median: $68,242/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Livonia Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $69,281 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -8.19% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Livonia, MI earn a median of $68,242 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.19% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.50% below the Michigan state average of $69,281.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Livonia 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.
Livonia, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $68,242 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $73,221 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$56,471
2025 BLS Actual
$66,377
2026 Current Est.
$68,242
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Livonia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,471 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,784 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,673 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,986 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,520 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,756 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,377 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,242 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,160 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Livonia metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $56,471 (2019) to $66,377 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $70,160 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,689 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Livonia 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) | $50,753 – $59,560 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $59,560 – $68,242 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $68,242 – $73,102 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $73,102 – $81,548 |
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 Livonia
In Livonia, the job market for occupational therapy assistants holds steady with around 21 professionals currently employed in the field. Given the area's cost of living index of 93.2, which is below the national average, the purchasing power for COTAs here can be more favorable than it might seem at first glance. Compensation varies significantly depending on the setting, with hospitals often offering higher salaries than schools or SNFs. The differences in pay can be attributed to factors such as productivity expectations and the impact of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut in outpatient and SNF environments. For those looking to maximize their wages in Livonia, exploring opportunities in hospital inpatient rehab and considering year-round contracts could prove beneficial. Additionally, aligning with practices that offer premium pay for weekend or PRN shifts might help enhance overall earnings potential in this competitive sector.
More salary data for Livonia, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Livonia, MI in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Livonia?
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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 $66,377 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Livonia 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 Livonia 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