Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in North Olmsted, OH: $63,876 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in North Olmsted, OH earns a median $63,876/year (≈ $30.71/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in North Olmsted's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $70,426 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.1% below the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the occupational therapy assistant salary in North Olmsted, OH, is projected to be $63,876 annually, which notably trails the national median of $74,332 by 14.07%. Local salaries span from $45,452 at the 10th percentile to $79,711 at the 90th percentile, illustrating the variances within the market. These figures originate from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and reflect adjustments for regional price parities. Given the structural divide among workplaces—namely skilled nursing facilities, schools, and hospitals—COTAs in North Olmsted face unique challenges. The aftermath of recent Medicare funding cuts has particularly impacted the pay landscape, influencing opportunities across different settings in the area.
About the North Olmsted Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,452 | $21.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,803 | $25.87 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,876 | $30.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67,071 | $32.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79,711 | $38.33 |
Median Salary Position
14.07% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in North Olmsted
In North Olmsted, OH, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,259 (2026 est.). At $63,876, the local median is 14.07% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in North Olmsted: You'd be above the median
How North Olmsted Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
North Olmsted median: $63,876/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | North Olmsted Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $65,246 | -2.10% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -14.07% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in North Olmsted, OH earn a median of $63,876 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.07% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 2.10% below the Ohio state average of $65,246.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
North Olmsted has a cost of living 9.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
North Olmsted, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $63,876 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $70,426 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$52,858
2025 BLS Actual
$62,130
2026 Current Est.
$63,876
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in North Olmsted (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,858 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,087 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,047 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,212 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,584 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,589 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,130 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,876 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,671 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the North Olmsted metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $52,858 (2019) to $62,130 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,671 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,813 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Olmsted 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) | $45,452 – $53,803 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,803 – $63,876 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,876 – $67,071 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $67,071 – $79,711 |
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 North Olmsted
The local job market currently employs eight occupational therapy assistants, reflecting a modest but stable demand for professionals in the field. With a cost-of-living index of 90.7, residents in North Olmsted enjoy a lower-than-average living expense, which can enhance take-home pay despite the region's lower salary figures. Employers that typically offer the best compensation include hospital inpatient rehabilitation services and early intervention programs, which remain more financially viable compared to skilled nursing facilities adversely affected by the Medicare payment cuts. Variability in compensation stems from factors such as productivity expectations, workload, and contract types; for instance, COTAs leveraging year-round contracts or those willing to take on weekend shifts can increase their earnings. To maximize earning potential, COTAs should consider bridge pathways to MOT programs and seek mentorship from seasoned practitioners within the community.
More salary data for North Olmsted, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $62,130 for occupational therapy assistantsin the North Olmsted 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 North Olmsted 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