Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Erie, PA: $56,915 (2026)

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

Erie offers a median occupational therapy assistant salary of $56,915, which is $7,851 below the Pennsylvania state average of $64,766. Compared to the national median of $65,420, Erie pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Erie's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $56,915 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $67,756 in an average-cost city. This makes Erie an attractive option for occupational therapy assistants seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for occupational therapy assistants in Erie spans from $36,540 at the 10th percentile to $80,040 at the 90th percentile — a $43,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,280, while senior occupational therapy assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $76,560. Erie is a smaller market (pop. 94,831), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Erie by Experience

In Erie, an entry-level occupational therapy assistant earns around $38,280, while experienced professionals earn up to $76,560 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$38,280

$-5,720 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$57,420

$-8,580 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$76,560

$-11,440 vs national

Percentile	Erie	PA State	National
10th Percentile	$36,540	$41,580	$42,000
25th Percentile	$45,240	$51,480	$52,000
Median (50th)	$56,915	$64,766	$65,420
75th Percentile	$69,600	$79,200	$80,000
90th Percentile	$80,040	$91,080	$92,000

Percentile

Erie

10th Percentile

$36,540

25th Percentile

$45,240

Median (50th)

$56,915

75th Percentile

$69,600

90th Percentile

$80,040

How to Become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in Erie

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Erie

How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make in Erie, PA? ▼

The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Erie, Pennsylvania is $56,915 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $65,420. Salaries range from $36,540 (10th percentile) to $80,040 (90th percentile).

How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make per hour in Erie? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $56,915, a occupational therapy assistant in Erie earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Erie compare to the Pennsylvania state average for occupational therapy assistant pay? ▼

Erie's median occupational therapy assistant salary of $56,915 is 12.1% below the Pennsylvania state average of $64,766. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Erie, PA? ▼

Erie has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapy assistant salary of $56,915 in Erie 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 Erie? ▼

Most occupational therapy assistant positions in Erie 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.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Erie, Pennsylvania