Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Bismarck, ND: $50,408 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Bismarck, ND job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $50,408 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bismarck's local price level (BEA RPP 92.0 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $54,791 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($67,406) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those embarking on a career as a new graduate occupational therapy assistant in Bismarck, the entry-level prospects appear promising yet moderate. The starting occupational therapy assistant salary in Bismarck is projected to be around $50,408 in 2026, significantly lower than the city's median annual salary of $67,406. However, with a strategic approach, new COTAs can expect their salaries to progress rapidly; moving from $58,882 at the 25th percentile, and potentially nearing the median within the first few years of experience. Overall, Bismarck offers a decent market for recent graduates, bolstered by a growing demand in healthcare and an annual growth rate of 2.81%.
About the Bismarck Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bismarck
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 Bismarck
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Bismarck, ND typically start between $50,408 and $58,882 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $30,011 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $67,406 — 9.32% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in North Dakota of $18,000 represents just 35.71% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($50,408/year) in Bismarck. 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 Bismarck
- 1Research the Bismarck market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $50,408 to $58,882, 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 ND often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Bismarck, 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 Bismarck for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bismarck'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 Bismarck is $30,011 ( 59.54%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $50,408, experienced hygienists can earn up to $80,419.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$39,736
2025 BLS Actual
$49,030
2026 Current Est.
$50,408
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Bismarck (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,736 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,117 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,574 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,650 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,345 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,374 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,030 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,408 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,824 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Bismarck, ND grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $39,736 in 2019 to $49,030 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $51,824. New graduates entering the Bismarck job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bismarck 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 Bismarck
In Bismarck, several healthcare facilities actively recruit new graduates for occupational therapy assistant roles, with skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) being the most prominent employers. School districts also provide appealing options for new COTAs, offering traditional summer breaks. While outpatient clinics tend to favor experienced COTAs, they do train new graduates, particularly in pediatric and hand therapy settings. To enhance starting pay in North Dakota, obtaining credentials like an Associate’s degree from an ACOTE-accredited OTA program, passing the NBCOT exam for COTA certification, and securing state licensure is essential. In the first few years, as COTAs work under the supervision of occupational therapists, they can navigate the challenges posed by the 15% Medicare cut on OTA-provided services introduced in 2022. This environment compresses starting pay, especially in SNF and outpatient settings, so a realistic growth trajectory should be expected. Thus, with the right credentials and strategic job selection, new grad occupational therapy assistant pay in ND can gradually align with Bismarck’s average salaries as experience is gained.
More salary data for Bismarck, ND:
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 Bismarck. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bismarck 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