Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Grand Forks, ND: $47,933 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Grand Forks, ND job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $47,933 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Grand Forks's local price level (BEA RPP 92.0 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $52,101 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($68,771) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates considering a career as an occupational therapy assistant in Grand Forks, ND, can expect to start with a salary around $47,933 in 2026. While this entry-level pay may seem modest compared to the city median salary of $68,771, it marks a gradual growth potential for new graduates. Within the first few years, as candidates gain experience and skills, they can transition to the P25 level of $57,612, ultimately working toward the median. Grand Forks offers a stable job market for entry-level positions, allowing new COTAs to develop professionally in a supportive environment, especially as the demand for rehabilitation services continues to grow.
About the Grand Forks Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Grand Forks
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 Grand Forks
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Grand Forks, ND typically start between $47,933 and $57,612 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $34,598 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $68,771 — 7.48% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in North Dakota of $18,000 represents just 37.55% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($47,933/year) in Grand Forks. 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 Grand Forks
- 1Research the Grand Forks market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $47,933 to $57,612, 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 Grand Forks, 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 Grand Forks for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Grand Forks'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 Grand Forks is $34,598 ( 72.18%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $47,933, experienced hygienists can earn up to $82,531.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$37,786
2025 BLS Actual
$46,623
2026 Current Est.
$47,933
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Grand Forks (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,786 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,098 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,385 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,409 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,070 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,317 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,623 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,933 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,280 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Grand Forks, ND grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $37,786 in 2019 to $46,623 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $49,280. New graduates entering the Grand Forks job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Grand Forks 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 Grand Forks
When it comes to employment opportunities, various facilities in Grand Forks hire entry-level occupational therapy assistants. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are significant contributors, consistently seeking new graduates for rehabilitation roles, while school districts cater to those looking for a balanced schedule. Outpatient clinics may prefer seasoned COTAs but often have training programs for recent graduates, particularly in pediatric or hand-therapy settings. For those looking to enhance their earning potential, credentials like an Associate's degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, passing the NBCOT national exam, and obtaining a state OTA license are essential. However, new COTAs must adapt to industry changes, including the 15% Medicare Part B cut for OTA-provided services that began in 2022, which has impacted pay in certain settings. Overall, entry-level occupational therapy assistants can realistically expect salary growth during their first three years in the field by leveraging continued education and gaining diversified experience.
More salary data for Grand Forks, 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 Grand Forks. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Grand Forks 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