Detroit vs Sterling Heights: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Detroit, MI and Sterling Heights, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Detroit, MI | Sterling Heights, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,611 | $70,729▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.10 | $34.01▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,739▲ | $48,066 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,843▲ | $58,252 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,938▲ | $76,315 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $92,025 | $93,078▲ |
| Total Employed | 470▲ | 29 |
Verdict
Sterling Heights, MI offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Detroit.
The salary gap between Detroit and Sterling Heights is $8,118 (12.97%). Sterling Heights's median is -4.85% compared to the US national median of $74,332.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Detroit spans $38,286,Sterling Heights spans $45,012. Sterling Heights 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, Sterling Heights ($75,889 effective) pays 21.57% more than Detroit ($62,425 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Detroit if…
- ✓Larger job market (470 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Sterling Heights if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($70,729/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($93,078)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,889)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Detroit grew 13.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.0% growth in Sterling Heights over the same period.
Detroit, MI
$53,720 (2019) → $60,900 (2025)
Sterling Heights, MI
$60,898 (2024) → $68,796 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Detroit, MI
Sterling Heights, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Detroit or Sterling Heights?
What is the hourly rate difference between Detroit and Sterling Heights?
Should I relocate from Detroit to Sterling Heights as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Detroit vs Sterling Heights?
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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