Healthcare Michigan (MI) Rank #36 of 50

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Michigan

The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Michigan is $58,878 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $65,420.

Median Salary
$58,878
vs National
$-6,542
State Rank
#36 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary Overview in Michigan (2026)

Michigan ranks #36 out of 50 states for occupational therapy assistant compensation. Occupational Therapy Assistant salaries in Michigan are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $58,878 per year, occupational therapy assistants in Michigan earn $6,542 less than the national median of $65,420.

A key advantage of working in Michigan is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $58,878 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $65,420 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Michigan is significant: occupational therapy assistants at the 10th percentile earn $37,800, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $82,800 — a $45,000 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Michigan for this role is Ann Arbor, where the median reaches $68,691.

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 Michigan and beyond.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Michigan by Experience

In Michigan, an entry-level occupational therapy assistant earns around $39,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $79,200 per year. The cost of living index in Michigan is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$39,600
$-4,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$59,400
$-6,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$79,200
$-8,800 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Michigan

Percentile MI Salary
10th Percentile $37,800
25th Percentile $46,800
Median (50th) $58,878
75th Percentile $72,000
90th Percentile $82,800

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary by City in Michigan

The largest employment areas for occupational therapy assistants in Michigan include Detroit, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, and Warren. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in Michigan

Education

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

Key Skills

Therapeutic ExercisesPatient CareDocumentationCommunicationAdaptabilityCompassion

Job Outlook in Michigan

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Michigan

How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make in Michigan? ▼
The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Michigan is $58,878 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $65,420. Salaries range from $37,800 (10th percentile) to $82,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make per hour in Michigan? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $58,878, a occupational therapy assistant in Michigan earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Michigan a good state for occupational therapy assistants? ▼
Michigan ranks #36 out of 50 states for occupational therapy assistant pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn $39,600, while senior professionals earn $79,200.
How does Michigan compare to other states for occupational therapy assistant salary? ▼
The highest paying state for occupational therapy assistants is Hawaii at $116,448. Michigan's median of $58,878 ranks #36 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Tennessee ($59,532) and Indiana ($58,878).
What is the entry-level occupational therapy assistant salary in Michigan? ▼
An entry-level occupational therapy assistant in Michigan earns approximately $39,600 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $59,400. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $79,200.
What city in Michigan pays occupational therapy assistants the most? ▼
Ann Arbor is the highest paying city in Michigan for occupational therapy assistants, with a median salary of $68,691. Other cities include Detroit and Grand Rapids.