Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Rexburg, ID: $51,349 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Rexburg, ID job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $51,349 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Rexburg's local price level (BEA RPP 95.3 — 5% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $53,881 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($70,173) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the entry-level occupational therapy assistant salary in Rexburg, Idaho, starts at around $51,349. For recent graduates, this marks the beginning of a career path that can lead to a median annual salary of $70,173 after a few years of experience. Within three to five years, new COTAs can realistically expect growth to the $60,153 range, positioning themselves favorably compared to the overall median for the area. While the starting pay is slightly lower than some larger markets, Rexburg presents a viable environment for fresh graduates eager to start their careers in occupational therapy. With its focus on community health and rehabilitation, Rexburg's growing demand for therapists makes it an attractive market for those entering the field.
About the Rexburg Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Rexburg
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 Rexburg
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Rexburg, ID typically start between $51,349 and $60,153 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $30,905 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $70,173 — 5.6% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Idaho of $18,000 represents just 35.05% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($51,349/year) in Rexburg. 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 Rexburg
- 1Research the Rexburg market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $51,349 to $60,153, 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 Rexburg, 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 Rexburg for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Rexburg'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 Rexburg is $30,905 ( 60.19%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $51,349, experienced hygienists can earn up to $82,254.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$40,479
2025 BLS Actual
$49,946
2026 Current Est.
$51,349
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Rexburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,479 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,885 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,406 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,502 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,211 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,577 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,946 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,349 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,792 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Rexburg, ID grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $40,479 in 2019 to $49,946 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $52,792. New graduates entering the Rexburg job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rexburg 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 Rexburg
In Rexburg, various employers are keen to onboard new graduates, particularly skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) that frequently seek COTAs to support rehabilitation services. Additionally, school districts often present appealing opportunities due to their summer-off schedules, while outpatient clinics may prefer experienced staff but are open to training new COTAs in specific areas like pediatric or hand-therapy support. To enhance starting pay in Idaho, it's advantageous for new graduates to hold an Associate's degree from an ACOTE-accredited OTA program, gain the COTA credential from NBCOT, and obtain the state OTA license. Given the current clinical landscape, it’s crucial for new COTAs to work under OT supervision effectively, especially as the 15% Medicare Part B cut to OTA-provided services continues to impact pay in various settings. As they navigate their first three years, newcomers should focus on skill development and potentially consider a bridge to a Master’s in Occupational Therapy to expand their career prospects.
More salary data for Rexburg, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapy assistants in Rexburg in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapy assistant salaries grow in Rexburg?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Rexburg?
What do new occupational therapy assistants make right out of school in Rexburg?
How do I become a occupational therapy assistant in Idaho?
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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 Rexburg. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Rexburg 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