Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Wilmington, NC: $49,739 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Wilmington, NC job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $49,739 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Wilmington's local price level (BEA RPP 96.4 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $51,585 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($65,223) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For new graduates entering the field of occupational therapy assistance in Wilmington, North Carolina, the entry-level pay can be a significant consideration. In 2026, starting salaries are projected to begin at around $49,739, which is notably below the city median annual salary of $65,223. This creates an initial gap of approximately $15,484, illustrating that while new grads may start on the lower end, there is potential for upward movement in the first few years. As professionals gain experience, they can expect to see their salaries increase through the P25 level of $61,049, potentially reaching the median salary as they establish their careers. Given Wilmington's decent job market and a 2.81% growth rate annually for occupational therapy assistants, recent graduates may find it a favorable environment to launch their careers.
Career Earnings Timeline in Wilmington
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 Wilmington
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Wilmington, NC typically start between $49,739 and $61,049 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $38,338 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $65,223 — 12.25% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in North Carolina of $18,000 represents just 36.19% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($49,739/year) in Wilmington. 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 Wilmington
- 1Research the Wilmington market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $49,739 to $61,049, 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 Wilmington, 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 Wilmington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Wilmington'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 Wilmington is $38,338 ( 77.08%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $49,739, experienced hygienists can earn up to $88,077.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$36,220
2025 BLS Actual
$48,380
2026 Current Est.
$49,739
2019–2027 Growth
+41.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Wilmington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,220 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,590 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,840 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,920 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,360 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,940 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,380 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,739 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,137 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Wilmington, NC grew 33.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,220 in 2019 to $48,380 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $51,137. New graduates entering the Wilmington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wilmington 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 Wilmington
In Wilmington, several employers actively seek to hire recent graduates, particularly in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) which tend to onboard new COTAs for rehab settings. Additionally, school districts may appeal to new grads, offering summer schedules that allow for time off. While outpatient clinics often prefer more seasoned professionals, they do provide training opportunities in areas like pediatric or hand therapy, which can be a great launching pad for entry-level COTAs. Recent graduates with an Associate's degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, a passing score on the NBCOT national exam, and a North Carolina state OTA license are in a good position to begin their careers. For a successful start, it's wise for new COTAs to focus on building skills and adapting to the realities of working under the supervision of OTs, especially in the context of recent Medicare cuts impacting pay structures. Realistically, salaries during the first few years after graduation may see steady growth as new COTAs build experience, positioning themselves within the Wilmington occupational therapy landscape.
More salary data for Wilmington, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapy assistants in Wilmington in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapy assistant salaries grow in Wilmington?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Wilmington?
What do new occupational therapy assistants make right out of school in Wilmington?
How do I become a occupational therapy assistant in North Carolina?
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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 Wilmington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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