Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Cody, WY: $45,148 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Cody, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $45,148 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cody's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,127 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($59,597) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Cody, Wyoming presents a practical entry point for new graduates seeking a position as an occupational therapy assistant. With a starting salary projected at $45,148 in 2026, new COTAs can expect to earn significantly less than the city's median annual pay of $59,597, showing a gap that reflects the challenges of entering this professional field. Nevertheless, with dedicated service and career development, entry-level therapists have the potential to grow their compensation realistically over the first few years, moving from the 10th percentile up through the 25th and toward the median salary. The projected career growth in the area, estimated at 2.81% annually, indicates that Cody can be a favorable market for new graduates willing to build their expertise and reputation in the local healthcare landscape.
About the Cody Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Cody
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 Cody
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Cody, WY typically start between $45,148 and $52,002 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $22,710 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $59,597 — 19.82% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Wyoming of $18,000 represents just 39.87% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($45,148/year) in Cody. 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 Cody
- 1Research the Cody market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $45,148 to $52,002, 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 WY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Cody, 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 Cody for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Cody'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 Cody is $22,710 ( 50.30%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $45,148, experienced hygienists can earn up to $67,858.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$35,590
2025 BLS Actual
$43,914
2026 Current Est.
$45,148
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Cody (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,590 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,827 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,923 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,886 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,509 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,018 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,914 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,148 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,417 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Cody, WY grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $35,590 in 2019 to $43,914 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $46,417. New graduates entering the Cody job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cody 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 Cody
Employers in Cody are actively engaging with new graduates, particularly skilled nursing facilities that tend to hire many newly minted COTAs. School districts are another viable option, often offering schedules conducive to work-life balance, such as summers off. While outpatient clinics may prefer experienced therapists, they do provide training for new COTAs in specialized areas like pediatric and hand therapy. Credentials such as an Associate's degree from an ACOTE-accredited OTA program, passing the NBCOT national exam for the COTA designation, and obtaining a state OTA license will help to elevate starting pay in Wyoming. In the initial years, ongoing education can also be beneficial, as COTAs must work under the supervision of occupational therapists, especially in light of the 15% Medicare Part B cuts for OTA services that may impact payment structures. New graduates can expect modest salary increases as they navigate their new roles, strengthening their position in a market that slowly accommodates growing COTA numbers.
More salary data for Cody, WY:
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 Cody. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cody 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