Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in North Ogden, UT: $53,170 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the North Ogden, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $53,170 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out North Ogden's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $54,200 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($67,762) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of occupational therapy in North Ogden can expect a starting occupational therapy assistant salary around $53,170. This entry-level figure sets a foundation that is considerably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $67,762, highlighting a gap that new grads may need to bridge as they gain experience. The trajectory for those in the field generally shows progression, with potential growth to $60,463 at the P25 level and even higher towards the median as they accumulate 3-5 years of hands-on practice. With a projected annual growth rate of 2.81%, North Ogden appears to be a stable market for fresh graduates in the occupational therapy assistant role, making it an appealing location for those starting their careers.
About the North Ogden Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in North Ogden
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 North Ogden
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in North Ogden, UT typically start between $53,170 and $60,463 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $26,176 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $67,762 — 8.84% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Utah of $20,000 represents just 37.62% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($53,170/year) in North Ogden. 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 North Ogden
- 1Research the North Ogden market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $53,170 to $60,463, 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 North Ogden, 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 North Ogden for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5North Ogden'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 North Ogden is $26,176 ( 49.23%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $53,170, experienced hygienists can earn up to $79,346.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$41,914
2025 BLS Actual
$51,717
2026 Current Est.
$53,170
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in North Ogden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,914 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,370 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,016 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,151 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,885 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,260 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,717 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,170 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,664 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in North Ogden, UT grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $41,914 in 2019 to $51,717 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $54,664. New graduates entering the North Ogden job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Ogden 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 North Ogden
Understanding the local job market is key for recent graduates seeking employment as occupational therapy assistants in North Ogden. Skilled nursing facilities (SNF) tend to be the primary employers of newcomers, offering vital experience, while school districts can present unique opportunities with summer-off schedules, making them appealing for those seeking work-life balance. Outpatient clinics, although often preferring experienced COTAs, may invest in training for new grads, especially in specialized areas like pediatric or hand therapy. To enhance earning potential, new occupational therapy assistants should focus on earning their COTA credentials through accredited programs, and consider ongoing education in advanced practice areas endorsed by the AOTA. Given that COTAs consistently work under the supervision of OTs and the impact of the recent 15% Medicare cut on OTA-provided services, realistic salary growth in the first few years may not be as aggressive as in previous times, emphasizing the importance of strategic career moves and continuous skill development.
More salary data for North Ogden, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 North Ogden. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for North Ogden 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