Healthcare Portland, OR Pop. 652,503

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Portland, Oregon

The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Portland, OR is $78,504 per year, which is 20.0% above the national median and 7.1% above the Oregon state average.

City Median
$78,504
vs State Avg
+$5,234
vs National
+$13,084
Cost of Living
118%

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

Portland offers a median occupational therapy assistant salary of $78,504, which is $5,234 above the Oregon state average of $73,270. Compared to the national median of $65,420, Portland pays above average for this role.

However, Portland's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $78,504 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $66,529. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Portland should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for occupational therapy assistants in Portland spans from $50,400 at the 10th percentile to $110,400 at the 90th percentile — a $60,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $52,800, while senior occupational therapy assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $105,600. As a major metro area with a population of 652,503, Portland typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Portland by Experience

In Portland, an entry-level occupational therapy assistant earns around $52,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $105,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$52,800
+$8,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$79,200
+$13,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$105,600
+$17,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Portland, OR

Percentile Portland
10th Percentile $50,400
25th Percentile $62,400
Median (50th) $78,504
75th Percentile $96,000
90th Percentile $110,400

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Other Oregon Cities

How to Become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in Portland

Education

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

Find Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in Portland

Browse open occupational therapy assistant positions in Portland, OR:

Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Portland

How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make in Portland, OR? ▼
The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Portland, Oregon is $78,504 per year, which is 20.0% above the national median of $65,420. Salaries range from $50,400 (10th percentile) to $110,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make per hour in Portland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $78,504, a occupational therapy assistant in Portland earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Portland compare to the Oregon state average for occupational therapy assistant pay? ▼
Portland's median occupational therapy assistant salary of $78,504 is 7.1% above the Oregon state average of $73,270. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Portland, OR? ▼
Portland has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapy assistant salary of $78,504 in Portland 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 Portland? ▼
Most occupational therapy assistant positions in Portland 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.