Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Marquette, MI: $66,723 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Marquette, MI earns a median $66,723/year (≈ $32.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Marquette's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $71,591 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.7% below the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the occupational therapy assistant salary in Marquette is projected to reach a median annual figure of $66,723. This local estimate, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price levels, reflects a salary range between $50,474 at the lower end (P10) and $76,372 at the high end (P90). Although this compensation level is notable, it remains approximately 10.24% below the national median annual salary of $74,332 for occupational therapy assistants. For those considering the COTA to MOT bridge, the investment in further education can significantly enhance lifetime earnings and broaden opportunities in this field, providing a compelling incentive for professional advancement in Marquette’s job market.
About the Marquette Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,474 | $24.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,379 | $28.07 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $66,723 | $32.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70,179 | $33.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76,372 | $36.71 |
Median Salary Position
10.24% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Marquette
In Marquette, MI, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $25,898 (2026 est.). At $66,723, the local median is 10.24% below the national median of $74,332.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Marquette: You'd be above the median
How Marquette Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Marquette median: $66,723/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Marquette Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $69,286 | -3.70% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -10.24% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Marquette, MI earn a median of $66,723 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.24% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 3.70% below the Michigan state average of $69,286.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Marquette 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.
Marquette, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $66,723 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $71,591 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$55,214
2025 BLS Actual
$64,899
2026 Current Est.
$66,723
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Marquette (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,214 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,497 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,411 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,673 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,151 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,448 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,899 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,723 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,598 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Marquette metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $55,214 (2019) to $64,899 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $68,598 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,384 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Marquette 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) | $50,474 – $58,379 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,379 – $66,723 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $66,723 – $70,179 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $70,179 – $76,372 |
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 Marquette
Evaluating the local job climate reveals that only four occupational therapy assistants are currently employed in Marquette, indicating a relatively niche market for this profession. The cost of living index stands at 93.2, which suggests that while salaries are somewhat lower compared to national averages, purchasing power remains relatively stable for residents. Employers offering the best pay are often found within hospital inpatient rehab settings, where skilled services are in heightened demand. Factors influencing the range of occupational therapy assistant pay in Marquette include workplace setting, productivity expectations, and the recent effects of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut for OTA-provided services. Those looking to optimize their compensation should consider opportunities in higher-paying sectors like inpatient rehabilitation, as well as taking advantage of year-round contracts that can provide stability and financial benefit amidst a fluctuating market.
More salary data for Marquette, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Marquette?
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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 $64,899 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Marquette 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 Marquette 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