Atlanta vs Sandy Springs: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Atlanta, GA and Sandy Springs, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Atlanta, GA | Sandy Springs, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,377 | $81,949▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $38.65 | $39.40▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,066▲ | $56,729 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,976 | $68,341▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $81,230 | $89,350▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $92,519 | $100,727▲ |
| Total Employed | 590▲ | 18 |
Verdict
Sandy Springs, GA offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Atlanta.
The salary gap between Atlanta and Sandy Springs is $1,572 (1.96%). Sandy Springs's median is +10.25% compared to the US national median of $74,332.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Atlanta spans $30,453,Sandy Springs spans $43,998. Sandy Springs has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapy assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Sandy Springs ($88,023 effective) pays 9.58% more than Atlanta ($80,330 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Atlanta if…
- ✓Larger job market (590 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Sandy Springs if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($81,949/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($100,727)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $88,023)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Atlanta grew 13.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 26.0% growth in Sandy Springs over the same period.
Atlanta, GA
$68,610 (2019) → $78,180 (2025)
Sandy Springs, GA
$63,274 (2024) → $79,709 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Atlanta, GA
Sandy Springs, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Atlanta or Sandy Springs?
What is the hourly rate difference between Atlanta and Sandy Springs?
Should I relocate from Atlanta to Sandy Springs as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Atlanta vs Sandy Springs?
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Written by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as an occupational therapist. Their specialty is working with children with developmental disorders. They have worked in various healthcare settings including schools and rehabilitation facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.81% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapy assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov