Orem vs Salt Lake City: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Orem, UT and Salt Lake City, UT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Orem, UT | Salt Lake City, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,339 | $73,427▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.97 | $35.30▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,068▲ | $41,114 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,995 | $63,609▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $70,106 | $77,159▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,039 | $115,260▲ |
| Total Employed | 24 | 100▲ |
Verdict
Salt Lake City, UT offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Orem.
The salary gap between Orem and Salt Lake City is $11,088 (17.79%). Salt Lake City's median is -1.22% compared to the US national median of $74,332.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Orem spans $33,971,Salt Lake City spans $74,146. Salt Lake City 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, Salt Lake City ($72,795 effective) pays 14.55% more than Orem ($63,546 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Orem if…
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Choose Salt Lake City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($73,427/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($115,260)
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,795)
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Orem grew 5.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 16.3% growth in Salt Lake City over the same period.
Orem, UT
$57,658 (2024) → $60,635 (2025)
Salt Lake City, UT
$61,410 (2019) → $71,420 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Salt Lake City, UT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Orem or Salt Lake City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Orem and Salt Lake City?
Should I relocate from Orem to Salt Lake City as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Orem vs Salt Lake City?
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