Healthcare Wheeling, WV Pop. 26,711

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Wheeling, West Virginia

The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Wheeling, WV is $49,719 per year, which is 24% below the national median and 7.3% below the West Virginia state average.

City Median
$49,719
vs State Avg
$-3,925
vs National
$-15,701
Cost of Living
78%

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

Wheeling offers a median occupational therapy assistant salary of $49,719, which is $3,925 below the West Virginia state average of $53,644. Compared to the national median of $65,420, Wheeling pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Wheeling's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 78% of the national average. This means the $49,719 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $63,742 in an average-cost city. This makes Wheeling an attractive option for occupational therapy assistants seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for occupational therapy assistants in Wheeling spans from $31,920 at the 10th percentile to $69,920 at the 90th percentile — a $38,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $33,440, while senior occupational therapy assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $66,880. Wheeling is a smaller market (pop. 26,711), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Wheeling by Experience

In Wheeling, an entry-level occupational therapy assistant earns around $33,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $66,880 per year. The local cost of living index is 78% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,440
$-10,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$50,160
$-15,840 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$66,880
$-21,120 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Wheeling, WV

Percentile Wheeling
10th Percentile $31,920
25th Percentile $39,520
Median (50th) $49,719
75th Percentile $60,800
90th Percentile $69,920

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Other West Virginia Cities

Morgantown, WV
$57,570
Pop. 30,955
Charleston, WV
$56,261
Pop. 48,006
Huntington, WV
$52,336
Pop. 46,842
Parkersburg, WV
$51,028
Pop. 29,675

How to Become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in Wheeling

Education

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

Find Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in Wheeling

Browse open occupational therapy assistant positions in Wheeling, WV:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Wheeling

How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make in Wheeling, WV? ▼
The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Wheeling, West Virginia is $49,719 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $65,420. Salaries range from $31,920 (10th percentile) to $69,920 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make per hour in Wheeling? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,719, a occupational therapy assistant in Wheeling earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Wheeling compare to the West Virginia state average for occupational therapy assistant pay? ▼
Wheeling's median occupational therapy assistant salary of $49,719 is 7.3% below the West Virginia state average of $53,644. The local cost of living index is 78% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Wheeling, WV? ▼
Wheeling has a cost of living index of 78% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapy assistant salary of $49,719 in Wheeling 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 Wheeling? ▼
Most occupational therapy assistant positions in Wheeling 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.