Healthcare Charleston, WV Pop. 48,006

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Charleston, West Virginia

The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Charleston, WV is $56,261 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.9% above the West Virginia state average.

City Median
$56,261
vs State Avg
+$2,617
vs National
$-9,159
Cost of Living
88%

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

Charleston offers a median occupational therapy assistant salary of $56,261, which is $2,617 above the West Virginia state average of $53,644. Compared to the national median of $65,420, Charleston pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Charleston's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $56,261 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $63,933 in an average-cost city. This makes Charleston an attractive option for occupational therapy assistants seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for occupational therapy assistants in Charleston spans from $36,120 at the 10th percentile to $79,120 at the 90th percentile — a $43,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $37,840, while senior occupational therapy assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $75,680. Charleston is a smaller market (pop. 48,006), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Charleston by Experience

In Charleston, an entry-level occupational therapy assistant earns around $37,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $75,680 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$37,840
$-6,160 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$56,760
$-9,240 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$75,680
$-12,320 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Charleston, WV

Percentile Charleston
10th Percentile $36,120
25th Percentile $44,720
Median (50th) $56,261
75th Percentile $68,800
90th Percentile $79,120

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Other West Virginia Cities

How to Become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in Charleston

Education

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

Find Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in Charleston

Browse open occupational therapy assistant positions in Charleston, WV:

Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Charleston

How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make in Charleston, WV? ▼
The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Charleston, West Virginia is $56,261 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $65,420. Salaries range from $36,120 (10th percentile) to $79,120 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make per hour in Charleston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,261, a occupational therapy assistant in Charleston earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Charleston compare to the West Virginia state average for occupational therapy assistant pay? ▼
Charleston's median occupational therapy assistant salary of $56,261 is 4.9% above the West Virginia state average of $53,644. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Charleston, WV? ▼
Charleston has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapy assistant salary of $56,261 in Charleston 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 Charleston? ▼
Most occupational therapy assistant positions in Charleston 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.