Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Missoula, MT: $43,455 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Missoula, MT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $43,455 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Missoula's local price level (BEA RPP 96.2 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $45,172 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($59,017) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Earning potential for entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Missoula is promising, with starting salaries projected at around $43,455 in 2026. This figure represents the lower end of the pay scale for positions in this field, but new graduates can expect to grow their wages significantly as they gain experience. The median annual salary for occupational therapy assistants in Missoula is forecasted to reach $59,017, indicating a noticeable gap that entry-level positions will need to close as professionals progress into their careers. With an expected growth trajectory leading from initial salary levels up to the median over the first three to five years, Missoula presents a solid market for those embarking on this career path.
About the Missoula Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Missoula
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 Missoula
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Missoula, MT typically start between $43,455 and $50,999 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $29,968 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $59,017 — 20.6% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Montana of $18,000 represents just 41.42% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($43,455/year) in Missoula. 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 Missoula
- 1Research the Missoula market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $43,455 to $50,999, 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 MT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Missoula, 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 Missoula for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Missoula'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 Missoula is $29,968 ( 68.96%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $43,455, experienced hygienists can earn up to $73,423.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$34,255
2025 BLS Actual
$42,267
2026 Current Est.
$43,455
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Missoula (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,255 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,446 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,425 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,353 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,952 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,288 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,267 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,455 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,676 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Missoula, MT grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $34,255 in 2019 to $42,267 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $44,676. New graduates entering the Missoula job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Missoula 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 Missoula
Several employers in Missoula actively seek to hire new graduates as occupational therapy assistants. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) often provide the most opportunities for recent graduates; these organizations typically value the enthusiasm and fresh perspectives that new COTAs bring to patient care. Alternatively, school districts may present attractive options for COTAs, particularly due to their favorable schedules that allow for summers off, appealing to many new graduates. It's important for new professionals to secure proper credentials, including an associate's degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, passing the NBCOT national exam, and obtaining a state OTA license to enhance their employability and starting pay. Given recent changes in Medicare reimbursement, notably the 15% cut for OTA-provided services in 2022, early-career professionals might face some income limitations in specific settings like SNFs and outpatient clinics. Nonetheless, participating in continuing education and exploring advanced practice areas through AOTA can create pathways for advancement, paving the way for better salary growth within the first few years in the field.
More salary data for Missoula, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Missoula. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Missoula 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