Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Concord, NC: $76,050 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Concord, NC earns a median $76,050/year (≈ $36.56/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Concord's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $81,250 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.5% above the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Concord, North Carolina, the projected median annual salary for an occupational therapy assistant is $76,050 for the year 2026. This figure reflects not only the local labor market but also aligns closely with the national median of $74,332, showcasing a slight premium of 2.31% for positions in Concord. Salary estimations reveal a wide range, with entry-level positions earning approximately $52,340, while experienced professionals can expect up to $96,008 annually. With these figures derived from state-level data and adjusted for regional cost factors, prospective occupational therapy assistants can see a promising salary landscape. Such a financial outlook becomes even more significant when considering the potential earnings increase associated with earning a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) degree, which can further enhance a candidate's lifetime pay and career opportunities.
About the Concord Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,340 | $25.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63,133 | $30.35 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $76,050 | $36.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84,245 | $40.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96,008 | $46.16 |
Median Salary Position
2.31% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Concord
In Concord, NC, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $43,668 (2026 est.). At $76,050, the local median is 2.31% above the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Concord: You'd be above the median
How Concord Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Concord median: $76,050/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Concord Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $70,092 | +8.50% more |
| National Average | $74,332 | +2.31% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Concord, NC earn a median of $76,050 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.31% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 8.50% above the North Carolina state average of $70,092.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Concord has a cost of living 6.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Concord, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $76,050 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $81,250 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$62,932
2025 BLS Actual
$73,971
2026 Current Est.
$76,050
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Concord (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,932 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,395 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,157 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,735 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,559 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,336 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,971 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,050 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,187 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Concord metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $62,932 (2019) to $73,971 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $78,187 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,255 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Concord 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) | $52,340 – $63,133 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $63,133 – $76,050 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $76,050 – $84,245 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $84,245 – $96,008 |
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 Concord
Local employment numbers indicate that there are 24 occupational therapy assistants currently working in Concord, highlighting a niche market for this profession. Given the cost-of-living index stands at 93.6, residents enjoy a more favorable purchasing power compared to the national average, which could positively affect their take-home pay. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities typically provide the highest salaries, although compensation can vary widely based on settings and contractual agreements. Factors influencing pay disparity in Concord include the impact of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut on certain productivity-driven workplaces, like outpatient clinics and skilled nursing facilities, which may depress earnings for many occupational therapy assistants. To maximize compensation, candidates should consider gaining experience in high-demand areas such as home health agencies or pursuing COTA-to-MOT pathways to elevate their status and earning potential in a competitive market like Concord, NC.
More salary data for Concord, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Concord, NC in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Concord?
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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 $73,971 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Concord 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 Concord 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