Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Concord, NC: $52,340 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Concord, NC job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $52,340 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Concord's local price level (BEA RPP 93.6 — 6% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $55,919 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($76,050) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field as occupational therapy assistants in Concord, North Carolina can anticipate starting salaries around $52,340. While this initial pay does fall short of the median annual salary of $76,050, it reflects a common entry-level range that many can expect as they embark on their career. Over the first few years, there’s potential for growth as new COTAs build their skills and experience; moving from this entry-level pay towards the 25th percentile at $63,133 can be realistic within a few years in a supportive work environment. Given the projected growth rate of 2.81% annually, Concord appears to be a favorable market for new graduates, who will find opportunities for advancement as they leverage local demand for skilled COTAs.
About the Concord Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Concord
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 Concord
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Concord, NC typically start between $52,340 and $63,133 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $43,668 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $76,050 — 2.31% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in North Carolina of $18,000 represents just 34.39% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($52,340/year) in Concord. 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 Concord
- 1Research the Concord market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $52,340 to $63,133, 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 NC often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Concord, 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 Concord for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Concord'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 Concord is $43,668 ( 83.43%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $52,340, experienced hygienists can earn up to $96,008.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$41,259
2025 BLS Actual
$50,909
2026 Current Est.
$52,340
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Concord (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,259 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,693 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,282 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,399 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,121 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,341 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,909 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,340 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,810 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Concord, NC grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $41,259 in 2019 to $50,909 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $53,810. New graduates entering the Concord job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Concord 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 Concord
Several employers in Concord actively seek to hire newly graduated occupational therapy assistants, particularly skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) that often welcome fresh talent to their rehabilitation teams. School districts usually offer attractive schedules that align with academic calendars, providing additional opportunities for new grads. While outpatient clinics might prefer experienced staff, they also recognize the value of new COTAs in fields like pediatrics or hand therapy, often providing valuable training. To bolster entry-level pay, new occupational therapy assistants in NC should prioritize obtaining their Associate's degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, passing the NBCOT national exam for the COTA credential, and acquiring their state license. Although the 15% Medicare Part B cut for OTA-provided services has influenced compensation in certain settings since 2022, the starting occupational therapy assistant salary in Concord can still see meaningful growth over the first three years as new grads gain experience and consider pathways to advanced practice opportunities.
More salary data for Concord, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapy assistants in Concord in 2026?
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Is occupational therapy school worth it in Concord?
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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 Concord. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Concord 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