Muskegon vs St. Clair Shores: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Muskegon, MI and St. Clair Shores, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Muskegon, MI | St. Clair Shores, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,958 | $68,867▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.75 | $33.10▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,282▲ | $50,213 |
| 25th Percentile | $57,656 | $59,352▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $63,958 | $77,151▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $74,105 | $87,925▲ |
| Total Employed | 40▲ | 13 |
Verdict
St. Clair Shores, MI offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Muskegon.
The salary gap between Muskegon and St. Clair Shores is $4,909 (7.68%). St. Clair Shores's median is -7.35% compared to the US national median of $74,332.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Muskegon spans $22,823,St. Clair Shores spans $37,712. St. Clair Shores 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, St. Clair Shores ($73,892 effective) pays 6.89% more than Muskegon ($69,130 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Muskegon if…
- ✓Larger job market (40 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose St. Clair Shores if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,867/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($87,925)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,892)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Muskegon grew 9.8% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 13.0% growth in St. Clair Shores over the same period.
Muskegon, MI
$56,660 (2021) → $62,210 (2025)
St. Clair Shores, MI
$59,295 (2024) → $66,985 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Muskegon, MI
St. Clair Shores, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Muskegon or St. Clair Shores?
What is the hourly rate difference between Muskegon and St. Clair Shores?
Should I relocate from Muskegon to St. Clair Shores as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Muskegon vs St. Clair Shores?
Related Comparisons
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