OT Assistant Salary

Dothan vs Mobile: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Dothan, AL and Mobile, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Dothan, AL
$63,972
$30.76/hr
Mobile, AL
$63,999
$30.77/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDothan, ALMobile, AL
Median Salary$63,972$63,999
Hourly Rate$30.76$30.77
Entry Level (P10)$45,293$54,181
25th Percentile$53,973$60,360
75th Percentile$70,555$75,935
Top Earner (P90)$79,577$85,106
Total Employed1840
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Dothan ($63,972) and Mobile ($63,999) occupational therapy assistant salaries.DothanMobileMedian Salary$63,972$63,999Entry Level (P10)$45,293$54,181Top Earner (P90)$79,577$85,106US Median $74,332

Verdict

Mobile, AL offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Dothan.

The salary gap between Dothan and Mobile is $27 (0.04%). Mobile's median is -13.90% compared to the US national median of $74,332.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dothan spans $34,284,Mobile spans $30,925. Dothan has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Dothan
P10 (Entry)$45,293
P25$53,973
Median$63,972
P75$70,555
P90 (Top)$79,577
Mobile
P10 (Entry)$54,181
P25$60,360
Median$63,999
P75$75,935
P90 (Top)$85,106

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Dothan ($72,778 effective) pays 0.18% more than Mobile ($72,645 effective).

Dothan
Nominal: $63,972
CoL Index: 87.9
Adjusted: $72,778
Mobile
Nominal: $63,999
CoL Index: 88.098
Adjusted: $72,645

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Dothan if…

  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,778)
  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Choose Mobile if…

  • Higher median salary ($63,999/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($85,106)
  • Larger job market (40 employed)
  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Dothan grew 24.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.1% growth in Mobile over the same period.

Dothan, AL

+24.7%

$49,917 (2024) → $62,224 (2025)

Mobile, AL

+18.1%

$52,688 (2024) → $62,250 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Dothan or Mobile?

Mobile has a higher median occupational therapy assistant salary at $63,999/year, compared to Dothan at $63,972/year — a difference of $27 (0.04%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Dothan and Mobile?

Dothan occupational therapy assistants earn $30.76/hr while Mobile hygienists earn $30.77/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Dothan to Mobile as a occupational therapy assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Dothan and Mobile. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Dothan = $72,778, Mobile = $72,645), job availability (18 vs 40 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Dothan vs Mobile?

Entry-level (10th percentile) occupational therapy assistants earn $45,293 in Dothan and $54,181 in Mobile. The Mobile area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, COTA/LData verified by Samuel Chen, OTR/L

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