Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in St. Clair Shores, MI: $68,867 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in St. Clair Shores, MI earns a median $68,867/year (≈ $33.10/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in St. Clair Shores's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $73,892 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% below the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the occupational therapy assistant salary in St. Clair Shores is projected to be $68,867, which is approximately 7.35% lower than the national median of $74,332. Salary variations in this market are significant, with figures ranging from $50,213 at the 10th percentile to $87,925 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, highlight the income potential for this role amidst local cost adjustments. Given the city's competitive landscape, productivity expectations influence earnings, as assistants often need to meet visit targets to maintain effective compensation levels, ensuring that their contributions align with healthcare outcomes.
About the St. Clair Shores Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,213 | $24.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59,352 | $28.53 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $68,867 | $33.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,151 | $37.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87,925 | $42.28 |
Median Salary Position
7.35% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in St. Clair Shores
In St. Clair Shores, MI, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,712 (2026 est.). At $68,867, the local median is 7.35% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in St. Clair Shores: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How St. Clair Shores Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
St. Clair Shores median: $68,867/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | St. Clair Shores Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $69,283 | -0.60% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -7.35% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in St. Clair Shores, MI earn a median of $68,867 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.35% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 0.60% below the Michigan state average of $69,283.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
St. Clair Shores 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.
St. Clair Shores, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $68,867 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $73,892 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$56,988
2025 BLS Actual
$66,985
2026 Current Est.
$68,867
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in St. Clair Shores (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,988 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,313 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,192 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,527 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,084 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,295 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,985 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,867 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,802 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the St. Clair Shores metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $56,988 (2019) to $66,985 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $70,802 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,814 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the St. Clair Shores 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) | $50,213 – $59,352 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $59,352 – $68,867 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $68,867 – $77,151 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,151 – $87,925 |
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 St. Clair Shores
A total of 13 occupational therapy assistants are currently employed in St. Clair Shores, MI, reflecting a relatively small yet stable job market. The local cost-of-living index sits at 93.2, indicating housing and other living expenses are below the national average, which enhances overall purchasing power despite the region’s lower salary scale. Employers such as skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics typically offer the highest pay within the area, while school districts may provide more stable year-round contracts. The disparity in earnings can be attributed to varying productivity expectations, the impacts of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut from 2022—which particularly affects SNF and outpatient salaries—and the potential for weekend or PRN shifts that drive higher hourly wages. To maximize their pay, occupational therapy assistants in St. Clair Shores should consider roles in high-paying settings, pursue additional certifications like the COTA-to-MOT bridge, and negotiate for favorable terms in their contracts.
More salary data for St. Clair Shores, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in St. Clair Shores, MI in 2026?
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What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapy assistant salary in St. Clair Shores?
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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 $66,985 for occupational therapy assistantsin the St. Clair Shores 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 St. Clair Shores 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