Healthcare Fairbanks, AK Pop. 32,325

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Fairbanks, Alaska

The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Fairbanks, AK is $88,317 per year, which is 35.0% above the national median and 4.7% above the Alaska state average.

City Median
$88,317
vs State Avg
+$3,925
vs National
+$22,897
Cost of Living
130%

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

Fairbanks offers a median occupational therapy assistant salary of $88,317, which is $3,925 above the Alaska state average of $84,392. Compared to the national median of $65,420, Fairbanks pays above average for this role.

However, Fairbanks's cost of living index is 130%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $88,317 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $67,936. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Fairbanks should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for occupational therapy assistants in Fairbanks spans from $56,700 at the 10th percentile to $124,200 at the 90th percentile — a $67,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $59,400, while senior occupational therapy assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $118,800. Fairbanks is a smaller market (pop. 32,325), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Fairbanks by Experience

In Fairbanks, an entry-level occupational therapy assistant earns around $59,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $118,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 130% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$59,400
+$15,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$89,100
+$23,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$118,800
+$30,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fairbanks, AK

Percentile Fairbanks
10th Percentile $56,700
25th Percentile $70,200
Median (50th) $88,317
75th Percentile $108,000
90th Percentile $124,200

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Other Alaska Cities

How to Become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in Fairbanks

Education

Most occupational therapy assistant positions require a associate's degree. Fairbanks and the surrounding Alaska 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 Fairbanks may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in Fairbanks

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Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Fairbanks

How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make in Fairbanks, AK? ▼
The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Fairbanks, Alaska is $88,317 per year, which is 35.0% above the national median of $65,420. Salaries range from $56,700 (10th percentile) to $124,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make per hour in Fairbanks? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $88,317, a occupational therapy assistant in Fairbanks earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fairbanks compare to the Alaska state average for occupational therapy assistant pay? ▼
Fairbanks's median occupational therapy assistant salary of $88,317 is 4.7% above the Alaska state average of $84,392. The local cost of living index is 130% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Fairbanks, AK? ▼
Fairbanks has a cost of living index of 130% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapy assistant salary of $88,317 in Fairbanks has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapy assistant in Fairbanks? ▼
Most occupational therapy assistant positions in Fairbanks 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.