Healthcare Salem, OR Pop. 175,535

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Salem, Oregon

The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Salem, OR is $68,037 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median and 7.1% below the Oregon state average.

City Median
$68,037
vs State Avg
$-5,233
vs National
+$2,617
Cost of Living
102%

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

Salem offers a median occupational therapy assistant salary of $68,037, which is $5,233 below the Oregon state average of $73,270. Compared to the national median of $65,420, Salem pays above average for this role.

Salem's cost of living is 102% 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 Salem spans from $43,680 at the 10th percentile to $95,680 at the 90th percentile — a $52,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $45,760, while senior occupational therapy assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $91,520. With a population of 175,535, Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Salem by Experience

In Salem, an entry-level occupational therapy assistant earns around $45,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $91,520 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,760
+$1,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$68,640
+$2,640 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$91,520
+$3,520 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Salem, OR

Percentile Salem
10th Percentile $43,680
25th Percentile $54,080
Median (50th) $68,037
75th Percentile $83,200
90th Percentile $95,680

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Other Oregon Cities

Portland, OR
$78,504
Pop. 652,503
Hillsboro, OR
$74,579
Pop. 106,447
Gresham, OR
$71,962
Pop. 113,103
Eugene, OR
$69,999
Pop. 176,654

How to Become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in Salem

Education

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

Find Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in Salem

Browse open occupational therapy assistant positions in Salem, OR:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Salem

How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make in Salem, OR? ▼
The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Salem, Oregon is $68,037 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $65,420. Salaries range from $43,680 (10th percentile) to $95,680 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make per hour in Salem? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $68,037, a occupational therapy assistant in Salem earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Salem compare to the Oregon state average for occupational therapy assistant pay? ▼
Salem's median occupational therapy assistant salary of $68,037 is 7.1% below the Oregon state average of $73,270. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Salem, OR? ▼
Salem has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapy assistant salary of $68,037 in Salem 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 Salem? ▼
Most occupational therapy assistant positions in Salem 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.