Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in The Dalles, OR: $55,066 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the The Dalles, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $55,066 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out The Dalles's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $53,671 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($70,682) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a starting occupational therapy assistant salary in The Dalles, OR, is projected to be around $55,066, presenting a reasonable entry point for new graduates entering the field. While this figure is below the city's median annual salary of $70,682, it's essential to view this range as a stepping stone rather than a ceiling. Over the first few years, those in the profession can anticipate a growth trajectory that may lead them up to the 25th percentile at $62,836, and potentially closer to the median as they gain experience and familiarity with their roles. The relatively stable job market for occupational therapy assistants in The Dalles suggests that the local environment is conducive to new graduates finding employment opportunities and advancing their careers in the coming years.
About the The Dalles Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in The Dalles
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 The Dalles
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in The Dalles, OR typically start between $55,066 and $62,836 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $29,602 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $70,682 — 4.91% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Oregon of $26,000 represents just 47.22% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($55,066/year) in The Dalles. 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 The Dalles
- 1Research the The Dalles market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $55,066 to $62,836, 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 The Dalles, 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 The Dalles for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5The Dalles'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 The Dalles is $29,602 ( 53.76%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $55,066, experienced hygienists can earn up to $84,668.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$43,408
2025 BLS Actual
$53,561
2026 Current Est.
$55,066
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in The Dalles (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,408 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,917 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,693 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,868 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,628 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,766 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,561 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,066 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,613 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in The Dalles, OR grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $43,408 in 2019 to $53,561 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $56,613. New graduates entering the The Dalles job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the The Dalles 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 The Dalles
Within The Dalles, various employers actively seek new graduates for occupational therapy assistant roles. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are among the largest hiring sources for entry-level COTAs, while school districts may offer family-friendly work schedules appealing to new grads looking to balance professional and personal lives. Outpatient clinics, though they often prefer experienced candidates, can be open to training recent graduates in specialized areas like pediatric or hand therapy support. Prospective COTAs should ensure that they hold an associate's degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, pass the NBCOT national exam, and obtain a state license to enhance their employability. Given the 15% Medicare cut to OTA-provided services initiated in 2022, starting pay may be impacted in SNF and outpatient settings. However, AOTA advocates for the profession, and with experience, salary growth over the first three years could lead to satisfying compensation aligned with the occupational therapy assistant salary trends in Oregon.
More salary data for The Dalles, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapy assistants in The Dalles in 2026?
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Is occupational therapy school worth it in The Dalles?
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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 The Dalles. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for The Dalles 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