Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Moore, OK: $45,447 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Moore, OK job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $45,447 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Moore's local price level (BEA RPP 88.9 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $51,121 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($66,077) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the field as an occupational therapy assistant in Moore, Oklahoma, the starting pay can be a pivotal factor in career planning. In 2026, the projected starting salary for new graduates is around $45,447, which is significantly lower than the city median of $66,077. This means entry-level positions may initially feel like a financial challenge, but as COTAs gain experience, they can expect salaries to increase. Over the first three to five years, many will likely see their earnings rise towards the $54,898 mark at the 25th percentile, paving a gradual path toward the median. Given this landscape, Moore presents a realistic market for new graduates, provided they are willing to navigate the early stages of their careers to achieve better compensation.
About the Moore Market
Salary estimated from Oklahoma average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Moore
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 Moore
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Moore, OK typically start between $45,447 and $54,898 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $35,500 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $66,077 — 11.11% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Oklahoma of $16,000 represents just 35.21% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($45,447/year) in Moore. 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 Moore
- 1Research the Moore market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $45,447 to $54,898, 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 OK often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Moore, 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 Moore for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Moore'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 Moore is $35,500 ( 78.11%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $45,447, experienced hygienists can earn up to $80,947.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$35,826
2025 BLS Actual
$44,205
2026 Current Est.
$45,447
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Moore (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,826 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,071 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,187 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,157 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,784 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,696 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,205 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,447 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,724 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Moore, OK grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $35,826 in 2019 to $44,205 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $46,724. New graduates entering the Moore job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moore 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 Moore
Employers in Moore that hire fresh occupational therapy assistant graduates include skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and school districts. SNFs usually have the highest demand for new COTAs, though they also feel the impact of the 15% Medicare cut on OTA services from 2022, which could limit pay growth in that setting. Outpatient clinics may be less eager to hire inexperienced COTAs but can provide valuable on-the-job training in specialty areas like pediatrics or hand therapy. Aspiring COTAs should also focus on gaining credentials such as completing an ACOTE-accredited OTA program and passing the NBCOT exam for national certification, as these can enhance attractiveness to employers and potentially increase starting salaries. Early career strategies should emphasize building a robust skill set under the supervision of licensed occupational therapists, as this collaboration is essential for upward mobility in the industry, especially in light of changing reimbursement landscapes.
More salary data for Moore, OK:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapy assistants in Moore in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapy assistant salaries grow in Moore?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Moore?
What do new occupational therapy assistants make right out of school in Moore?
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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 Moore. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Moore 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