Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Winston-Salem, NC: $47,451 (2026)

Landing a position as a new grad occupational therapy assistant in Winston-Salem typically involves targeting specific employers who are more open to hiring entry-level professionals. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are among the primary employers in the area, as they often have a high demand for COTAs who can provide rehabilitative services under the supervision of licensed occupational therapists. School districts, too, are favorable employers, offering structured hours and the potential for summer breaks, while outpatient clinics may prefer experienced occupational therapy assistants but sometimes allow new grads to work in supportive roles, such as pediatric or hand therapy. To enhance starting pay and competitiveness in the job market, earning credentials such as the COTA national exam from NBCOT and obtaining a state license can be invaluable. As COTAs operate under the supervision of OTs and face implications from the 15% cut in Medicare Part B for OTA services, understanding these market dynamics will help new graduates strategically navigate their first few years and set realistic expectations for salary growth in this evolving industry.