Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Wadsworth, OH: $60,167 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Wadsworth, OH earns a median $60,167/year (≈ $28.93/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Wadsworth's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $66,336 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.8% below the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) in Wadsworth, Ohio, can expect a median annual salary of $60,167 in 2026, which reflects a significant gap from the national average of $74,332. This local salary is projected to range from $46,146 at the 10th percentile to $69,566 at the 90th percentile. These estimates are informed by 2025 BLS data and Regional Price Parities, indicating a localized economic environment that directly impacts pay levels. For aspiring OTAs, understanding the integration of the COTA-to-MOT bridge can enhance future earnings potential, presenting significant lifetime pay benefits as they upgrade their qualifications.
About the Wadsworth Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,146 | $22.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,102 | $25.53 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,167 | $28.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64,992 | $31.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $69,566 | $33.44 |
Median Salary Position
19.06% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wadsworth
In Wadsworth, OH, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $23,420 (2026 est.). At $60,167, the local median is 19.06% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Wadsworth: You'd be above the median
How Wadsworth Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Wadsworth median: $60,167/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wadsworth Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $65,258 | -7.80% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -19.06% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Wadsworth, OH earn a median of $60,167 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.06% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 7.80% below the Ohio state average of $65,258.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wadsworth 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.
Wadsworth, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $60,167 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $66,336 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$49,789
2025 BLS Actual
$58,523
2026 Current Est.
$60,167
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Wadsworth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,789 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,947 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,967 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,007 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,241 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,188 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,523 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,167 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,858 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wadsworth metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $49,789 (2019) to $58,523 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,858 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,069 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wadsworth 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) | $46,146 – $53,102 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,102 – $60,167 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,167 – $64,992 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $64,992 – $69,566 |
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 Wadsworth
In Wadsworth, the job market shows limited opportunities with only six occupational therapy assistants employed locally, which could influence competition among candidates. With a cost-of-living index of 90.7, living expenses are relatively lower than the national average, which can positively affect the overall disposable income of OTAs. Employers such as skilled nursing facilities and inpatient rehab hospitals are likely to offer more competitive wages compared to outpatient clinics and school districts, where pay may be lower due to the varying demands of different settings. Factors like patient volume expectations and reimbursement rates, influenced by the 15% Medicare cuts, further widen the pay gap. For those in the field, seeking positions in high-demand settings and considering flexible hours or PRN work could enhance earnings and job security in the Wadsworth market.
More salary data for Wadsworth, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Wadsworth, OH in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Wadsworth?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapy assistant salary in Wadsworth?
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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 $58,523 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Wadsworth 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 Wadsworth 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