Healthcare Detroit, MI Pop. 639,111

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Detroit, Michigan

The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Detroit, MI is $57,570 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 2.2% below the Michigan state average.

City Median
$57,570
vs State Avg
$-1,308
vs National
$-7,850
Cost of Living
88%

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

Detroit offers a median occupational therapy assistant salary of $57,570, which is $1,308 below the Michigan state average of $58,878. Compared to the national median of $65,420, Detroit pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Detroit'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 Detroit an attractive option for occupational therapy assistants seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for occupational therapy assistants in Detroit 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. As a major metro area with a population of 639,111, Detroit typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Detroit by Experience

In Detroit, 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

Salary Percentiles in Detroit, MI

Percentile Detroit
10th Percentile $36,960
25th Percentile $45,760
Median (50th) $57,570
75th Percentile $70,400
90th Percentile $80,960

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Other Michigan Cities

Ann Arbor, MI
$68,691
Pop. 123,851
Grand Rapids, MI
$58,878
Pop. 198,917
Warren, MI
$57,570
Pop. 139,387
Lansing, MI
$56,261
Pop. 112,644

How to Become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in Detroit

Education

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

Find Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in Detroit

Browse open occupational therapy assistant positions in Detroit, MI:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Detroit

How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make in Detroit, MI? ▼
The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Detroit, Michigan 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 Detroit? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $57,570, a occupational therapy assistant in Detroit earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Detroit compare to the Michigan state average for occupational therapy assistant pay? ▼
Detroit's median occupational therapy assistant salary of $57,570 is 2.2% below the Michigan state average of $58,878. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Detroit, MI? ▼
Detroit has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapy assistant salary of $57,570 in Detroit 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 Detroit? ▼
Most occupational therapy assistant positions in Detroit 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.