Healthcare Aberdeen, SD Pop. 28,324

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota

The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Aberdeen, SD is $54,953 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 4.5% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$54,953
vs State Avg
$-2,617
vs National
$-10,467
Cost of Living
84%

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

Aberdeen offers a median occupational therapy assistant salary of $54,953, which is $2,617 below the South Dakota state average of $57,570. Compared to the national median of $65,420, Aberdeen pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Aberdeen's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $54,953 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $65,420 in an average-cost city. This makes Aberdeen an attractive option for occupational therapy assistants seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for occupational therapy assistants in Aberdeen spans from $35,280 at the 10th percentile to $77,280 at the 90th percentile — a $42,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,960, while senior occupational therapy assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $73,920. Aberdeen is a smaller market (pop. 28,324), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Aberdeen by Experience

In Aberdeen, an entry-level occupational therapy assistant earns around $36,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $73,920 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,960
$-7,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$55,440
$-10,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$73,920
$-14,080 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Aberdeen, SD

Percentile Aberdeen
10th Percentile $35,280
25th Percentile $43,680
Median (50th) $54,953
75th Percentile $67,200
90th Percentile $77,280

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

How to Become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in Aberdeen

Education

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

Find Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in Aberdeen

Browse open occupational therapy assistant positions in Aberdeen, SD:

Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Aberdeen

How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make in Aberdeen, SD? ▼
The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota is $54,953 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $65,420. Salaries range from $35,280 (10th percentile) to $77,280 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make per hour in Aberdeen? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,953, a occupational therapy assistant in Aberdeen earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Aberdeen compare to the South Dakota state average for occupational therapy assistant pay? ▼
Aberdeen's median occupational therapy assistant salary of $54,953 is 4.5% below the South Dakota state average of $57,570. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Aberdeen, SD? ▼
Aberdeen has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapy assistant salary of $54,953 in Aberdeen 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 Aberdeen? ▼
Most occupational therapy assistant positions in Aberdeen 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.