Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Tuscaloosa, AL: $57,570 (2026)

Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay in Tuscaloosa: What to Expect (2026)

Tuscaloosa offers a median occupational therapy assistant salary of $57,570, which is $655 above the Alabama state average of $56,915. Compared to the national median of $65,420, Tuscaloosa pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Tuscaloosa's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $57,570 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $65,420 in an average-cost city. This makes Tuscaloosa an attractive option for occupational therapy assistants seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for occupational therapy assistants in Tuscaloosa spans from $36,960 at the 10th percentile to $80,960 at the 90th percentile — a $44,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,720, while senior occupational therapy assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $77,440. With a population of 101,129, Tuscaloosa is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Tuscaloosa by Experience

In Tuscaloosa, an entry-level occupational therapy assistant earns around $38,720, while experienced professionals earn up to $77,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$38,720

$-5,280 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$58,080

$-7,920 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$77,440

$-10,560 vs national

Percentile	Tuscaloosa	AL State	National
10th Percentile	$36,960	$36,540	$42,000
25th Percentile	$45,760	$45,240	$52,000
Median (50th)	$57,570	$56,915	$65,420
75th Percentile	$70,400	$69,600	$80,000
90th Percentile	$80,960	$80,040	$92,000

Percentile

Tuscaloosa

10th Percentile

$36,960

25th Percentile

$45,760

Median (50th)

$57,570

75th Percentile

$70,400

90th Percentile

$80,960

How to Become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in Tuscaloosa

Education

Most occupational therapy assistant positions require a associate's degree. Tuscaloosa and the surrounding Alabama area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Therapeutic ExercisesPatient CareDocumentationCommunicationAdaptabilityCompassion

Job Outlook

Nationally, occupational therapy assistant employment is projected to grow 25% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Tuscaloosa may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Tuscaloosa

How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make in Tuscaloosa, AL? ▼

The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Tuscaloosa, Alabama is $57,570 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $65,420. Salaries range from $36,960 (10th percentile) to $80,960 (90th percentile).

How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make per hour in Tuscaloosa? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $57,570, a occupational therapy assistant in Tuscaloosa earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Tuscaloosa compare to the Alabama state average for occupational therapy assistant pay? ▼

Tuscaloosa's median occupational therapy assistant salary of $57,570 is 1.2% above the Alabama state average of $56,915. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Tuscaloosa, AL? ▼

Tuscaloosa has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapy assistant salary of $57,570 in Tuscaloosa has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapy assistant in Tuscaloosa? ▼

Most occupational therapy assistant positions in Tuscaloosa require a associate's degree. Key skills include Therapeutic Exercises, Patient Care, Documentation, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 25% nationally over the next decade.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Tuscaloosa, Alabama