Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Clearfield, UT: $52,523 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Clearfield, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $52,523 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Clearfield's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $53,540 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($69,654) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of occupational therapy assistants in Clearfield, Utah, starting salaries can vary significantly within the market. In 2026, the entry level occupational therapy assistant salary in Clearfield is projected to begin around $52,523, which is notably lower than the city's median salary of $69,654. This initial pay may feel discouraging, but early-career professionals can reasonably expect to see their remuneration rise as they gain experience. The pay scale shows a potential pathway for salary growth, with P25 estimates at $60,856 and a median salary of $69,654 within just a few years of employment. Clearfield currently offers a promising job market for entry-level COTAs, with a consistent growth rate of 2.81% anticipated over the next few years, making it an appealing area for new graduates to launch their careers.
About the Clearfield Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Clearfield
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 Clearfield
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Clearfield, UT typically start between $52,523 and $60,856 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $33,587 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $69,654 — 6.29% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Utah of $20,000 represents just 38.08% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($52,523/year) in Clearfield. 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 Clearfield
- 1Research the Clearfield market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $52,523 to $60,856, 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 Clearfield, 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 Clearfield for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Clearfield'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 Clearfield is $33,587 ( 63.95%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $52,523, experienced hygienists can earn up to $86,110.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$41,403
2025 BLS Actual
$51,087
2026 Current Est.
$52,523
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Clearfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,403 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,842 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,444 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,565 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,289 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,736 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,087 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,523 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,998 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Clearfield, UT grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $41,403 in 2019 to $51,087 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $53,998. New graduates entering the Clearfield job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Clearfield 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 Clearfield
In terms of job opportunities, Clearfield has various employers looking to hire early-career occupational therapy assistants. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are significant contributors to employment, often welcoming new graduates keen to gain experience. Additionally, school districts might provide appealing positions with summer-off schedules, while outpatient clinics tend to favor more seasoned COTAs, although many offer training programs that can support fresh graduates in pediatric or hand-therapy specialties. To increase earning potential, obtaining credentials such as an associate's degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, COTA certification from NBCOT, and a state license is crucial. Continuing education, particularly in advanced practice areas recognized by AOTA, can also enhance one's marketability. In the first few years, COTAs often find their salaries gradually increasing as they work under OTs, adjusting to changes within the industry, including the recent 15% Medicare cut affecting OTA services. While initial salaries may not reflect the higher end of the pay scale, realistic career growth can occur, especially as new COTAs build their skills and professional networks.
More salary data for Clearfield, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapy assistants in Clearfield in 2026?
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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 Clearfield. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Clearfield 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