Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Williston, ND: $49,093 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Williston, ND job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $49,093 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Williston's local price level (BEA RPP 92.0 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $53,362 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($65,254) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the occupational therapy assistant field in Williston, North Dakota, can anticipate a starting salary of approximately $49,093. This figure represents the entry-level pay for those just beginning their careers, which is notably lower than the city median of $65,254. While it may seem like a significant gap, early-career professionals in this region can look forward to gradual salary increases as they gain experience. By the end of their third to fifth year, salaries could rise to around $56,929, moving towards the median pay as they build their skills and establish their professional reputation. Given its projected growth rate of 2.81% annually, Williston presents a promising opportunity for new graduates entering this field.
About the Williston Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Williston
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 Williston
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Williston, ND typically start between $49,093 and $56,929 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $28,975 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $65,254 — 12.21% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in North Dakota of $18,000 represents just 36.67% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($49,093/year) in Williston. 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 Williston
- 1Research the Williston market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $49,093 to $56,929, 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 Williston, 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 Williston for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Williston'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 Williston is $28,975 ( 59.02%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $49,093, experienced hygienists can earn up to $78,068.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$38,700
2025 BLS Actual
$47,751
2026 Current Est.
$49,093
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Williston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,700 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,044 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,411 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,459 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,136 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,277 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,751 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,093 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,472 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Williston, ND grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $38,700 in 2019 to $47,751 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $50,472. New graduates entering the Williston job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Williston 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 Williston
Employers in Williston provide various entry-level opportunities for new graduates in occupational therapy assistant roles. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) frequently hire COTAs and often serve as the primary workplaces for recent graduates due to their staffing needs. Additionally, school districts offer flexible schedules that align well with summer breaks, making them an attractive option for early-career COTAs. Outpatient clinics, although typically favoring more experienced applicants, also provide training for new graduates, particularly in areas like pediatric and hand therapy support. To enhance starting pay in North Dakota, graduates should ensure they have completed an associate's degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, obtained COTA certification from the NBCOT, and secured their state OTA license. Realistically, individuals in their first three years can expect incremental salary growth as they navigate the changing landscape shaped by the 15% Medicare Part B cut affecting OT services, necessitating strategic career planning and ongoing education through resources like AOTA.
More salary data for Williston, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapy assistants in Williston in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapy assistant salaries grow in Williston?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Williston?
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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 Williston. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Williston 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