Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Eugene, OR: $76,728 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Eugene, OR earns a median $76,728/year (≈ $36.89/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Eugene's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.6), that paycheck buys what $74,784 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% above the Oregon state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, an occupational therapy assistant in Eugene, Oregon, can expect to earn an annual median salary of $76,728, which reflects a slight increase over the national median of $74,332. The salary range for this position spans from $56,388 at the lower end (P10) to $98,668 at the higher end (P90). These figures, derived from the 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost considerations, underline the value of local experience and educational pathways. Importantly, occupational therapy assistants in Eugene benefit from potential salary growth, particularly for those considering the COTA-to-MOT bridge, enhancing their lifetime earning potential by advancing their qualifications in the field. This upward trajectory in earnings highlights Eugene's job market as a viable option for both new and seasoned occupational therapy assistants.
About the Eugene Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,388 | $27.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66,409 | $31.92 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $76,728 | $36.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86,068 | $41.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98,668 | $47.44 |
Median Salary Position
3.22% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Eugene
In Eugene, OR, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,280 (2026 est.). At $76,728, the local median is 3.22% above the national median of $74,332.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Eugene: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Eugene Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Eugene median: $76,728/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Eugene Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Average | $76,271 | +0.60% more |
| National Average | $74,332 | +3.22% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Eugene, OR earn a median of $76,728 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.22% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 0.60% above the Oregon state average of $76,271.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Eugene has a cost of living 2.60% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Eugene, OR has a cost-of-living index of 102.6 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $76,728 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $74,784 — a 2.53% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$63,493
2025 BLS Actual
$74,631
2026 Current Est.
$76,728
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Eugene (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,493 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,820 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,720 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,321 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,170 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,321 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,631 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,728 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,884 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Eugene metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $63,493 (2019) to $74,631 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $78,884 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,391 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Eugene 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) | $56,388 – $66,409 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $66,409 – $76,728 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $76,728 – $86,068 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $86,068 – $98,668 |
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 Eugene
The job market for occupational therapy assistants in Eugene currently comprises 32 professionals, indicating a modest yet stable demand for skilled workers in this sector. With a cost-of-living index of 102.6, which is slightly above the national average, this poses a unique challenge for take-home pay. Although the position generally offers competitive compensation, variations exist based on the work setting. Employers such as skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation programs tend to offer higher pay compared to school districts or outpatient clinics, influenced by factors like productivity expectations and the structure of contracts. Additionally, the ongoing effects of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut may further widen the pay gap in certain contexts. For those seeking to maximize their occupational therapy assistant pay in Eugene, pursuing roles in high-demand settings or exploring weekend and PRN opportunities can significantly boost earnings.
More salary data for Eugene, OR:
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 $74,631 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Eugene 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 Eugene 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