Senior Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Laramie, WY: $71,698 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of occupational therapy assistants working in Laramie, WY — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $71,698/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2011. Strip back Laramie's price premium (BEA RPP 95.8, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $74,841 in average-cost America. The 17% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Achieving a senior occupational therapy assistant salary in Laramie, WY can be significantly rewarding for those with extensive experience. In 2026, top earners can expect to earn up to $71,698, with a healthy portion of professionals also making around $65,056. This highlights the experience premium for advanced practitioners, who find themselves earning notably above the median salary of $61,273. The potential to reach this upper echelon of pay in Laramie not only depends on years of experience but also on specialization, employer type, and advanced credentials, effectively widening the gap between the median and top-tier salaries.
About the Laramie Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Laramie
Experienced occupational therapy assistants at the top of the pay scale in Laramie earn between $65,056 and $71,698 per year (2026 est.). This $27,355 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Laramie median of $61,273 sits 17.57% below the US median.
Top OTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Laramie | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $61,273 | $74,332 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,056 | $81,384 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $71,698 | $92,303 |
In Laramie, experienced occupational therapy assistants (P90) earn 17.01% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay in Laramie
Advanced Certifications in Wyoming
WY occupational therapy assistants with additional specialty certifications within the occupational therapy field earn significantly above the $61,273 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Laramie employers.
Specialty Focus
Occupational Therapy Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the occupational therapy field in Laramie command premium compensation, often reaching the $65,056–$71,698 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Laramie metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced occupational therapy assistants who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured occupational therapy assistants in Laramie with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Wyoming who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Career & Wage Growth Path in Laramie
Clinical Occupational Therapy Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Occupational Therapy Assistant
5-10 yearsOccupational Therapy Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLaramie ranks #3 of 14 Wyoming cities for top earner occupational therapy assistant salary (90th percentile: $71,698).
Top 10% occupational therapy assistant compensation in Laramie ($71,698) is 0.99% above the Wyoming average P90 ($70,995).
2019 BLS Actual
$63,858
2025 BLS Actual
$69,738
2026 Current Est.
$71,698
2019–2027 Growth
+15.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Laramie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,858 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,318 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,304 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,476 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,311 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,686 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,738 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,698 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,712 | Projected |
Top-earning occupational therapy assistants (90th percentile) in Laramie saw their compensation grow 9.2% from $63,858 in 2019 to $69,738 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.81% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $73,712 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Laramie 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.
Maximizing Your Occupational Therapy Assistant Earnings in Laramie
Compensation for senior occupational therapy assistants in Laramie reflects various factors such as specialization and the type of employer. For instance, professionals with expertise in pediatric or geriatric therapy, mental health, and hand therapy can command higher salaries in different settings. Skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehab often offer different pay scales compared to outpatient clinics or school district contracts. In terms of career advancement, experienced occupational therapy assistants might consider transitions into roles such as lead OTA or clinic operations coordinator. Obtaining credentials through the NBCOT for COTA certification may also increase earning potential considerably. Non-salary benefits are another key consideration; compensation packages may vary based on factors such as productivity expectations and the financial impact of the recent Medicare reimbursement cuts.
More salary data for Laramie, WY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced occupational therapy assistants make in Laramie in 2026?
What drives higher occupational therapy assistant pay in Laramie?
What certifications boost occupational therapy assistant salary in Laramie?
Can experienced occupational therapy assistants make six figures in Laramie?
How much does occupational therapy assistant salary increase over time in Laramie?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $69,738 for occupational therapy assistants in the Laramie metro area. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Laramie 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