Healthcare Durham, NC Pop. 283,506

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Durham, North Carolina

The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Durham, NC is $62,149 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 3.3% above the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$62,149
vs State Avg
+$1,963
vs National
$-3,271
Cost of Living
95%

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

Durham offers a median occupational therapy assistant salary of $62,149, which is $1,963 above the North Carolina state average of $60,186. Compared to the national median of $65,420, Durham pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Durham's cost of living is 95% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for occupational therapy assistants in Durham spans from $39,900 at the 10th percentile to $87,400 at the 90th percentile — a $47,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $41,800, while senior occupational therapy assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $83,600. With a population of 283,506, Durham is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Durham by Experience

In Durham, an entry-level occupational therapy assistant earns around $41,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $83,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$41,800
$-2,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$62,700
$-3,300 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$83,600
$-4,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Durham, NC

Percentile Durham
10th Percentile $39,900
25th Percentile $49,400
Median (50th) $62,149
75th Percentile $76,000
90th Percentile $87,400

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

Charlotte, NC
$64,112
Pop. 874,579
Raleigh, NC
$64,112
Pop. 467,665
Greensboro, NC
$57,570
Pop. 299,035
Winston-Salem, NC
$56,261
Pop. 249,545

How to Become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in Durham

Education

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

Find Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in Durham

Browse open occupational therapy assistant positions in Durham, NC:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Durham

How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make in Durham, NC? ▼
The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Durham, North Carolina is $62,149 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $65,420. Salaries range from $39,900 (10th percentile) to $87,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make per hour in Durham? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $62,149, a occupational therapy assistant in Durham earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Durham compare to the North Carolina state average for occupational therapy assistant pay? ▼
Durham's median occupational therapy assistant salary of $62,149 is 3.3% above the North Carolina state average of $60,186. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Durham, NC? ▼
Durham has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapy assistant salary of $62,149 in Durham 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 Durham? ▼
Most occupational therapy assistant positions in Durham 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.