Healthcare Philadelphia, PA Pop. 1,603,797

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Philadelphia, PA is $68,691 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 6.1% above the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$68,691
vs State Avg
+$3,925
vs National
+$3,271
Cost of Living
102%

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

Philadelphia offers a median occupational therapy assistant salary of $68,691, which is $3,925 above the Pennsylvania state average of $64,766. Compared to the national median of $65,420, Philadelphia pays above average for this role.

Philadelphia'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 Philadelphia spans from $44,100 at the 10th percentile to $96,600 at the 90th percentile — a $52,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $46,200, while senior occupational therapy assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $92,400. As a major metro area with a population of 1,603,797, Philadelphia typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Philadelphia by Experience

In Philadelphia, an entry-level occupational therapy assistant earns around $46,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $92,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$46,200
+$2,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$69,300
+$3,300 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$92,400
+$4,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Philadelphia, PA

Percentile Philadelphia
10th Percentile $44,100
25th Percentile $54,600
Median (50th) $68,691
75th Percentile $84,000
90th Percentile $96,600

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

How to Become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in Philadelphia

Education

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

Find Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in Philadelphia

Browse open occupational therapy assistant positions in Philadelphia, PA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Philadelphia

How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is $68,691 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $65,420. Salaries range from $44,100 (10th percentile) to $96,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make per hour in Philadelphia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $68,691, a occupational therapy assistant in Philadelphia earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Philadelphia compare to the Pennsylvania state average for occupational therapy assistant pay? ▼
Philadelphia's median occupational therapy assistant salary of $68,691 is 6.1% above the Pennsylvania state average of $64,766. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
Philadelphia has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapy assistant salary of $68,691 in Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia? ▼
Most occupational therapy assistant positions in Philadelphia 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.