Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Salina, KS: $50,681 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Salina, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $50,681 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Salina's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $55,755 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($65,381) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Recent data reflects that the entry-level occupational therapy assistant salary in Salina, Kansas, is projected to start at $50,681 in 2026. For new graduates stepping into this role, this figure falls significantly below the overall city median annual salary for occupational therapy assistants, which is $65,381. However, the potential for growth is encouraging, as many early-career professionals can expect their salary to increase to about $58,142 after gaining some experience. This means that new grads can anticipate a steady rise through their first 3-5 years, enhancing their earning potential as they build their skills and reputation within the community. With a projected growth rate of 2.81% annually in this field, Salina represents a decent market for those beginning their careers in occupational therapy.
About the Salina Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Salina
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 Salina
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Salina, KS typically start between $50,681 and $58,142 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $25,428 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $65,381 — 12.04% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Kansas of $14,000 represents just 27.62% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($50,681/year) in Salina. 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 Salina
- 1Research the Salina market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $50,681 to $58,142, 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 KS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Salina, 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 Salina for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Salina'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 Salina is $25,428 ( 50.17%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $50,681, experienced hygienists can earn up to $76,109.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$39,952
2025 BLS Actual
$49,296
2026 Current Est.
$50,681
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Salina (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,952 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,340 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,815 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,897 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,596 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,602 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,296 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,681 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,105 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Salina, KS grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $39,952 in 2019 to $49,296 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $52,105. New graduates entering the Salina job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salina 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 Salina
In terms of opportunities, several employers in Salina actively recruit entry-level occupational therapy assistants. Skilled nursing facilities often hire new graduates for rehabilitation efforts, while school districts may offer attractive schedules with summers off. Although outpatient clinics generally prefer experienced COTAs, many provide training for recent graduates, particularly in pediatric or hand therapy roles. To increase starting pay, new COTAs should prioritize acquiring an associate's degree from an ACOTE-accredited OTA program and obtaining the NBCOT credential along with a state-issued license. Furthermore, staying updated with continuing education through the AOTA can open pathways to advanced practice areas. It's crucial for entry-level professionals to navigate their initial years under OT supervision, especially considering the recent 15% Medicare cut to OTA services, which impacted earnings in skilled nursing and outpatient settings. Realistically, new graduates can expect gradual salary increases as they gain experience, adapt to local demands, and cultivate their professional network in Salina, KS.
More salary data for Salina, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapy assistants in Salina in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapy assistant salaries grow in Salina?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Salina?
What do new occupational therapy assistants make right out of school in Salina?
How do I become a occupational therapy assistant in Kansas?
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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 Salina. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Salina 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