Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Grants Pass, OR: $56,754 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Grants Pass, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $56,754 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Grants Pass's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $55,316 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($73,642) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of occupational therapy assistant (COTA) in Grants Pass, Oregon can expect a starting salary around $56,754, which is notably below the city's median of $73,642. For entry-level professionals, this gap highlights the need for realistic salary expectations, particularly in the initial years. However, it’s important to recognize that there is potential for growth; starting salaries can rise to about $65,316 at the 25th percentile as experience builds, paving the way toward the median in 3 to 5 years. With an annual growth rate of 2.81% projected for the profession, the job market in Grants Pass appears favorable for newly minted COTAs, offering opportunities to gain valuable experience while gradually improving their pay.
About the Grants Pass Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Grants Pass
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 Grants Pass
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Grants Pass, OR typically start between $56,754 and $65,316 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $33,029 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $73,642 — 0.93% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Oregon of $26,000 represents just 45.81% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($56,754/year) in Grants Pass. 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 Grants Pass
- 1Research the Grants Pass market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $56,754 to $65,316, 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 Grants Pass, 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 Grants Pass for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Grants Pass'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 Grants Pass is $33,029 ( 58.20%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $56,754, experienced hygienists can earn up to $89,783.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$44,739
2025 BLS Actual
$55,203
2026 Current Est.
$56,754
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Grants Pass (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,739 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,294 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,186 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,397 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,180 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,405 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,203 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,754 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,349 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Grants Pass, OR grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $44,739 in 2019 to $55,203 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $58,349. New graduates entering the Grants Pass job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Grants Pass 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 Grants Pass
Various employers in Grants Pass actively hire entry-level occupational therapy assistants, particularly skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) which generally onboard the most new grads. School districts also provide unique employment opportunities with attractive schedules that align well with summer breaks. Outpatient clinics may prefer experienced COTAs but offer training positions focusing on areas like pediatric support. For new graduates seeking to enhance their employability and starting pay, completing an Associate's degree from an ACOTE-accredited OTA program, scoring well on the NBCOT national exam, and obtaining state licensure in Oregon are critical steps. It’s essential to stay informed about industry shifts, especially in light of the 15% Medicare Part B cut for OTA services that began in 2022, as this has affected pay structures within SNF and outpatient settings. As career paths develop, a clear strategy for the first few years, including pursuing possible COTA-to-MOT bridge programs, can contribute to a successful long-term trajectory.
More salary data for Grants Pass, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapy assistants in Grants Pass in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapy assistant salaries grow in Grants Pass?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Grants Pass?
What do new occupational therapy assistants make right out of school in Grants Pass?
How do I become a occupational therapy assistant in Oregon?
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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 Grants Pass. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Grants Pass 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