Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Murray, UT: $50,328 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Murray, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $50,328 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Murray's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $51,303 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($73,735) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the starting occupational therapy assistant salary in Murray, UT, is projected to be around $50,328, which poses a notable gap when compared to the city's median annual salary of $73,735. New graduates should set realistic expectations, as entry-level positions often mean starting near the lower end of the scale. Over the first 3 to 5 years, starting salaries can increase as professionals gain experience, moving from entry-level pay to around $60,744 at the 25th percentile. The growth trajectory suggests that Murray remains a promising market for new graduates, particularly given its competitive pay relative to the national average, offering a clear pathway for salary advancement in a role critical to healthcare.
About the Murray Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Murray
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 Murray
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Murray, UT typically start between $50,328 and $60,744 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $43,824 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $73,735 — 0.8% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Utah of $20,000 represents just 39.74% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($50,328/year) in Murray. 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 Murray
- 1Research the Murray market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $50,328 to $60,744, 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 Murray, 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 Murray for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Murray'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 Murray is $43,824 ( 87.08%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $50,328, experienced hygienists can earn up to $94,152.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$39,673
2025 BLS Actual
$48,952
2026 Current Est.
$50,328
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Murray (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,673 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,052 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,503 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,577 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,271 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,282 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,952 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,328 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,742 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Murray, UT grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $39,673 in 2019 to $48,952 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $51,742. New graduates entering the Murray job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Murray 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 Murray
When considering employment opportunities, various employers in Murray tend to hire new graduates, primarily skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) that are a substantial source of work for recently certified COTAs. School districts can be appealing for those seeking a work-life balance, offering summer-off schedules. Outpatient clinics may favor experienced practitioners but often provide training for novices in specialized areas such as pediatric or hand therapy. For entry-level positions, obtaining an associate’s degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, passing the NBCOT exam for COTA certification, and securing a state license are crucial steps. To enhance initial earnings, pursuing additional certification in specialized areas through AOTA can be beneficial. In the first 1-3 years, newly employed COTAs can anticipate moderate salary growth, but they must navigate the implications of recent Medicare cuts on compensation within SNF and outpatient environments.
More salary data for Murray, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapy assistants in Murray in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapy assistant salaries grow in Murray?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Murray?
What do new occupational therapy assistants make right out of school in Murray?
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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 Murray. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Murray 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