Eugene vs Klamath Falls: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Eugene, OR and Klamath Falls, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Eugene, OR | Klamath Falls, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $76,728▲ | $70,257 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.89▲ | $33.77 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,388▲ | $54,028 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,409▲ | $61,945 |
| 75th Percentile | $86,068▲ | $75,878 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $98,668▲ | $83,367 |
| Total Employed | 32▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Eugene, OR offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Klamath Falls.
The salary gap between Eugene and Klamath Falls is $6,471 (9.21%). Eugene's median is +3.22% compared to the US national median of $74,332.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Eugene spans $42,280,Klamath Falls spans $29,339. Eugene has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Eugene ($74,784 effective) pays 9.21% more than Klamath Falls ($68,477 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Eugene if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($76,728/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($98,668)
- ✓Larger job market (32 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,784)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Klamath Falls if…
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Eugene grew 18.8% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 0.4% growth in Klamath Falls over the same period.
Eugene, OR
$62,820 (2020) → $74,631 (2025)
Klamath Falls, OR
$68,054 (2024) → $68,337 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Eugene, OR
Klamath Falls, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Eugene or Klamath Falls?
What is the hourly rate difference between Eugene and Klamath Falls?
Should I relocate from Eugene to Klamath Falls as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Eugene vs Klamath Falls?
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