Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Eugene, OR: $56,388 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Eugene, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $56,388 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Eugene's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $54,959 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($76,728) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In the context of starting salaries, new graduates entering the occupational therapy assistant field in Eugene, Oregon, can expect a starting pay range of approximately $56,388, which represents the lower end of the salary spectrum for 2026. While this figure may seem modest compared to the city's median occupational therapy assistant salary of $76,728, it offers a realistic starting point for those just beginning their careers. Entry-level salaries can grow as new COTAs gain experience, with prospects of reaching around $66,409 after a year or two. Given Eugene's favorable job market, fueled by a growing demand for rehabilitation services, recent graduates should find ample opportunities to establish their careers and work toward the city’s higher salary benchmarks.
About the Eugene Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Eugene
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 Eugene
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Eugene, OR typically start between $56,388 and $66,409 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $42,280 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $76,728 — 3.22% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Oregon of $26,000 represents just 46.11% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($56,388/year) in Eugene. 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 Eugene
- 1Research the Eugene market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $56,388 to $66,409, 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 OR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Eugene, 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 Eugene for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Eugene's moderate 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 Eugene is $42,280 ( 74.98%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $56,388, experienced hygienists can earn up to $98,668.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$44,451
2025 BLS Actual
$54,847
2026 Current Est.
$56,388
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Eugene (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,451 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,740 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,862 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,066 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,843 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,046 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,847 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,388 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,973 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Eugene, OR grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $44,451 in 2019 to $54,847 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $57,973. New graduates entering the Eugene job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Eugene 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 Eugene
Looking specifically at employment opportunities in Eugene for entry-level positions, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are among the primary employers of new graduates, providing a broad range of experiences to kickstart their careers. School districts also create attractive options, offering summer schedules that appeal to fresh graduates looking for work-life balance. However, outpatient clinics tend to favor candidates with some experience, although they may provide training for new graduates in areas such as pediatric or hand-therapy support. To enhance earning potential, obtaining an associate's degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, passing the NBCOT's national exam for the COTA credential, and securing state licensure are essential steps. Initially, entry-level salaries may be constricted by the 15% Medicare Part B cut affecting OTA services introduced in 2022, making market strategies and ongoing professional development more vital during the first few years as COTAs seek to build their careers.
More salary data for Eugene, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapy assistants in Eugene in 2026?
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Is occupational therapy school worth it in Eugene?
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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 Eugene. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Eugene 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