Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Statesboro, GA: $50,384 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Statesboro, GA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $50,384 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Statesboro's local price level (BEA RPP 93.1 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $54,118 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($68,643) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Statesboro, Georgia, the starting occupational therapy assistant salary is projected at $50,384 in 2026. This entry-level pay is significantly lower than the city’s median salary of $68,643, highlighting an initial gap that many new graduates may find challenging. However, as young professionals gain experience over their first three to five years, salaries can progress through the first quartile at $58,956, potentially reaching up to the median as they build their skills. Given the 2.81% annual growth rate forecasted for the field, new grads can expect a steady climb in earnings, making Statesboro a viable market for fresh graduates looking to launch their careers in occupational therapy.
About the Statesboro Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Statesboro
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Statesboro
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Statesboro, GA typically start between $50,384 and $58,956 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $32,857 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $68,643 — 7.65% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Georgia of $18,000 represents just 35.73% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($50,384/year) in Statesboro. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACOTE-accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant associate degree programs. Tuition varies between community college and private technical school settings.
OTA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Statesboro
- 1Research the Statesboro market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $50,384 to $58,956, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the occupational therapy field — employers in GA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Statesboro, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Statesboro for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Statesboro's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Compensation Range
The occupational therapy assistant wage spread in Statesboro is $32,857 ( 65.21%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $50,384, experienced hygienists can earn up to $83,241.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$39,718
2025 BLS Actual
$49,007
2026 Current Est.
$50,384
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Statesboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,718 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,098 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,553 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,628 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,323 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,105 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,007 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,384 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,800 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Statesboro, GA grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $39,718 in 2019 to $49,007 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $51,800. New graduates entering the Statesboro job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Statesboro metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.81% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your occupational therapy Career in Statesboro
Several local employers in Statesboro are actively seeking to recruit new graduates for their occupational therapy assistant positions. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are among the top hiring entities, often providing comprehensive training programs for new COTAs entering the workforce. School districts also present attractive opportunities, especially for those preferring a summer-off schedule, while outpatient clinics tend to favor candidates with prior experience but may still offer training for roles in pediatric or hand-therapy support. Attaining credentials such as an Associate’s degree from an ACOTE-accredited program and passing the NBCOT national exam to obtain the COTA credential are critical steps in enhancing starting pay. New professionals should align their career strategies with industry trends, especially in light of the 15% Medicare Part B cut impacting pay since 2022. Realistic salary growth expectations in the first one to three years should account for these market dynamics, ensuring that emerging COTAs are well-prepared to navigate this evolving field in GA.
More salary data for Statesboro, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapy assistants in Statesboro in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapy assistant salaries grow in Statesboro?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Statesboro?
What do new occupational therapy assistants make right out of school in Statesboro?
How do I become a occupational therapy assistant in Georgia?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new occupational therapy graduates. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Statesboro. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Statesboro is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.81%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapy assistants (SOC 31-2011).
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