Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Cedar City, UT: $52,163 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Cedar City, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $52,163 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cedar City's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $53,173 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($71,945) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Individuals entering the field as occupational therapy assistants in Cedar City, Utah, can expect a starting salary around $52,163 in 2026. While this amount is on the lower end of the salary range, it represents a solid entry point compared to the median annual salary of $71,945 for all occupational therapy assistants in the area. New graduates can anticipate a growth trajectory that allows them to move toward the 25th percentile salary of $64,099 within their first few years of work. With a steady job market and a projected annual growth rate of 2.81%, Cedar City remains a favorable location for recent graduates entering this profession, especially for those who are eager to gain practical experience while enhancing their skills.
About the Cedar City Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Cedar City
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 Cedar City
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Cedar City, UT typically start between $52,163 and $64,099 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $31,777 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $71,945 — 3.21% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Utah of $20,000 represents just 38.34% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($52,163/year) in Cedar City. 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 Cedar City
- 1Research the Cedar City market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $52,163 to $64,099, 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 UT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Cedar City, 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 Cedar City for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Cedar City'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 Cedar City is $31,777 ( 60.92%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $52,163, experienced hygienists can earn up to $83,940.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$41,120
2025 BLS Actual
$50,737
2026 Current Est.
$52,163
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Cedar City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,120 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,549 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,125 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,239 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,958 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,456 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,737 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,163 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,628 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Cedar City, UT grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $41,120 in 2019 to $50,737 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $53,628. New graduates entering the Cedar City job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cedar City 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 Cedar City
In Cedar City, various employers provide opportunities specifically tailored for new graduates entering the occupational therapy assistant field. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) often hire beginner COTAs, while school districts may offer appealing work schedules with summers off. Outpatient clinics tend to prefer experienced candidates but frequently provide training in specific areas such as pediatric or hand therapy support. Obtaining an Associate's degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, passing the NBCOT national exam, and acquiring state licensure are essential for maximizing starting pay. Additionally, continuing education and specialized certifications can create pathways for advancing within the profession. As the market adjusts to the 15% Medicare Part B cut to OTA services implemented in 2022, financial growth for new COTAs may initially be modest. However, with successful navigation of initial employment phases, significant salary advancement is possible within the first three years in Cedar City.
More salary data for Cedar City, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapy assistants in Cedar City in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapy assistant salaries grow in Cedar City?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Cedar City?
What do new occupational therapy assistants make right out of school in Cedar City?
How do I become a occupational therapy assistant in Utah?
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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 Cedar City. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cedar City 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