Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Idaho Falls, ID: $50,967 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Idaho Falls, ID job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $50,967 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Idaho Falls's local price level (BEA RPP 95.3 — 5% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $53,481 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($71,675) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field, the entry-level occupational therapy assistant salary in Idaho Falls, ID, offers a promising start. In 2026, individuals can expect a starting salary around $50,967, representing a foundation from which they can build their career. This initial figure is significantly lower than the median salary for experienced occupational therapy assistants in the area, which stands at $71,675, leaving a noticeable gap as new professionals strive to gain experience. However, the salary outlook is positive, as new graduates can anticipate upward mobility through early-career positions where they may earn closer to $60,582 within their first few years, ultimately moving toward the median as they gather experience and skills. Given these projections, Idaho Falls presents an encouraging job market for fresh graduates in this field, with healthy growth anticipated at an annual rate of 2.81%.
About the Idaho Falls Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Idaho Falls
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 Idaho Falls
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Idaho Falls, ID typically start between $50,967 and $60,582 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $38,559 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $71,675 — 3.57% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Idaho of $18,000 represents just 35.32% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($50,967/year) in Idaho Falls. 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 Idaho Falls
- 1Research the Idaho Falls market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $50,967 to $60,582, 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 ID often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Idaho Falls, 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 Idaho Falls for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Idaho Falls's moderate 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 Idaho Falls is $38,559 ( 75.65%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $50,967, experienced hygienists can earn up to $89,526.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$40,177
2025 BLS Actual
$49,574
2026 Current Est.
$50,967
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Idaho Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,177 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,573 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,068 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,156 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,859 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,244 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,574 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,967 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,399 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Idaho Falls, ID grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $40,177 in 2019 to $49,574 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $52,399. New graduates entering the Idaho Falls job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Idaho Falls 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 Idaho Falls
Entering the profession, new graduates should focus on which employers in Idaho Falls typically offer roles for entry-level occupational therapy assistants. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) frequently hire new COTAs, providing essential support under the supervision of licensed OTs, while school districts may attract candidates who prefer flexible schedules with summer breaks. Outpatient clinics often prefer candidates with experience but can offer training for new grads in pediatric or hand-therapy support roles. To enhance starting pay, obtaining an Associate's degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, passing the NBCOT national exam to earn COTA credentials, and securing a state OTA license are vital steps; additional specialized training could open advanced practice opportunities. In light of the 15% Medicare cut affecting OTA services since 2022, early-career professionals may find pay compression in certain settings. Nonetheless, developing competencies early in their careers can lead to realistic salary advancements over the first three years, as individuals strive to align their compensation with the market standards for occupational therapy assistants in Idaho Falls.
More salary data for Idaho Falls, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapy assistants in Idaho Falls in 2026?
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Is occupational therapy school worth it in Idaho Falls?
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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 Idaho Falls. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Idaho Falls 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