Healthcare Alabama (AL) Rank #44 of 50

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Alabama

The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Alabama is $56,915 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $65,420.

Median Salary
$56,915
vs National
$-8,505
State Rank
#44 of 50
Cost of Living
87%

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary Overview in Alabama (2026)

Alabama ranks #44 out of 50 states for occupational therapy assistant compensation. Occupational Therapy Assistant salaries in Alabama are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $56,915 per year, occupational therapy assistants in Alabama earn $8,505 less than the national median of $65,420.

A key advantage of working in Alabama is its below-average cost of living (87% of the national index). This means the $56,915 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $65,420 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Alabama is significant: occupational therapy assistants at the 10th percentile earn $36,540, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $80,040 — a $43,500 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Alabama for this role is Huntsville, where the median reaches $60,186.

Nationally, occupational therapy assistant employment is projected to grow 25% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Alabama and beyond.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Alabama by Experience

In Alabama, an entry-level occupational therapy assistant earns around $38,280, while experienced professionals earn up to $76,560 per year. The cost of living index in Alabama is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,280
$-5,720 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$57,420
$-8,580 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$76,560
$-11,440 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Alabama

Percentile AL Salary
10th Percentile $36,540
25th Percentile $45,240
Median (50th) $56,915
75th Percentile $69,600
90th Percentile $80,040

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary by City in Alabama

The largest employment areas for occupational therapy assistants in Alabama include Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery, and Mobile. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in Alabama

Education

Most occupational therapy assistant positions require a associate's degree. Alabama has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Therapeutic ExercisesPatient CareDocumentationCommunicationAdaptabilityCompassion

Job Outlook in Alabama

Nationally, occupational therapy assistant employment is projected to grow 25% over the next decade (much faster than average). Alabama's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Alabama

How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make in Alabama? ▼
The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Alabama is $56,915 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $65,420. Salaries range from $36,540 (10th percentile) to $80,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make per hour in Alabama? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,915, a occupational therapy assistant in Alabama earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Alabama a good state for occupational therapy assistants? ▼
Alabama ranks #44 out of 50 states for occupational therapy assistant pay. The cost of living index is 87% of the national average. Entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn $38,280, while senior professionals earn $76,560.
How does Alabama compare to other states for occupational therapy assistant salary? ▼
The highest paying state for occupational therapy assistants is Hawaii at $116,448. Alabama's median of $56,915 ranks #44 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Missouri ($57,570) and South Dakota ($57,570).
What is the entry-level occupational therapy assistant salary in Alabama? ▼
An entry-level occupational therapy assistant in Alabama earns approximately $38,280 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $57,420. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $76,560.
What city in Alabama pays occupational therapy assistants the most? ▼
Huntsville is the highest paying city in Alabama for occupational therapy assistants, with a median salary of $60,186. Other cities include Birmingham and Montgomery.