Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Roseburg, OR: $51,928 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Roseburg, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $51,928 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Roseburg's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,612 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($71,881) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the workforce as occupational therapy assistants in Roseburg, Oregon, can expect a starting salary of approximately $51,928, which is notably below the city’s median annual salary of $71,881. This entry-level pay points to a promising trajectory over the initial years of experience, with potential growth leading to earnings around $65,405 within the first few years, ultimately aiming for the median salary as skills and responsibilities increase. As Roseburg continues to develop as a healthcare market, it offers an environment where early-career professionals can gradually build their expertise and income in the field of occupational therapy, relying on local demand and opportunities for growth.
About the Roseburg Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Roseburg
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 Roseburg
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Roseburg, OR typically start between $51,928 and $65,405 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $33,971 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $71,881 — 3.3% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Oregon of $26,000 represents just 50.07% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($51,928/year) in Roseburg. 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 Roseburg
- 1Research the Roseburg market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $51,928 to $65,405, 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 Roseburg, 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 Roseburg for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Roseburg'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 Roseburg is $33,971 ( 65.42%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $51,928, experienced hygienists can earn up to $85,899.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$40,935
2025 BLS Actual
$50,509
2026 Current Est.
$51,928
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Roseburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,935 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,357 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,918 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,027 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,743 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,734 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,509 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,928 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,387 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Roseburg, OR grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $40,935 in 2019 to $50,509 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $53,387. New graduates entering the Roseburg job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Roseburg 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 Roseburg
Several employers in Roseburg are eager to onboard new occupational therapy assistant graduates. Skilled nursing facilities (SNF) are the primary hiring venues, often providing essential experience that can significantly boost future earning potential. While outpatient clinics may favor seasoned COTAs, they do offer training opportunities for new graduates interested in pediatric or hand-therapy support. Completing an Associate's degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, earning the COTA credential through the NBCOT, and obtaining a state license remain essential for enhancing starting pay and career prospects. Throughout the first 1-3 years, although challenges such as the Medicare Part B cuts since 2022 have impacted pay within certain settings, COTAs still have the opportunity to enhance their skills under OT supervision and consider pathways for further advancement, should they decide to pursue higher qualifications such as a Master’s in Occupational Therapy.
More salary data for Roseburg, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapy assistants in Roseburg in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapy assistant salaries grow in Roseburg?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Roseburg?
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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 Roseburg. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Roseburg 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