Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Jackson, WY: $43,189 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Jackson, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $43,189 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Jackson's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $45,082 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($56,888) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the occupational therapy assistant field in Jackson, Wyoming, can anticipate a starting salary around $43,189, which is significantly lower than the city median annual income of $56,888. This gap reveals the financial realities that entry-level professionals must navigate as they embark on their careers. However, there is a growth trajectory for entry-level COTAs, with salary projections steadily increasing. Over the first few years, new graduates might expect to reach approximately $48,602 within the first two years and aim toward the median as they gain experience and take on more responsibilities. For those considering a career in this area, Jackson's job market offers potential, though the initial pay may be less competitive compared to national averages, where the 2026 national median is $74,332.
About the Jackson Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Jackson
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 Jackson
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Jackson, WY typically start between $43,189 and $48,602 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $22,097 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $56,888 — 23.47% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Wyoming of $18,000 represents just 41.68% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($43,189/year) in Jackson. 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 Jackson
- 1Research the Jackson market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $43,189 to $48,602, 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 Jackson, 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 Jackson for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Jackson'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 Jackson is $22,097 ( 51.16%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $43,189, experienced hygienists can earn up to $65,286.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$34,046
2025 BLS Actual
$42,009
2026 Current Est.
$43,189
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Jackson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,046 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,229 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,191 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,113 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,708 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,064 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,009 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,189 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,403 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Jackson, WY grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $34,046 in 2019 to $42,009 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $44,403. New graduates entering the Jackson job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jackson 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 Jackson
In terms of career development and job opportunities, Jackson features several employers actively seeking new graduates, particularly skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), which often hire entry-level occupational therapy assistants. School districts also present attractive options for new grads, offering distinctive schedules that include summers off. It's important for new COTAs to earn credentials such as an associate's degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, pass the NBCOT national exam, and obtain a state license to enhance their employability and starting pay. Additionally, engaging in continuing education in specialized areas may allow for faster salary increases. Given the 15% reduction in Medicare reimbursement rates for OTA-provided services implemented in 2022, new graduates should approach their first jobs with a clear strategy: work under OT supervision, actively seek mentorship, and focus on developing their skills to maximize growth in this challenging yet rewarding profession. With realistic expectations for salary progression in their initial years, new occupational therapy assistants in Jackson can find valuable pathways ahead.
More salary data for Jackson, WY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapy assistants in Jackson in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapy assistant salaries grow in Jackson?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Jackson?
What do new occupational therapy assistants make right out of school in Jackson?
How do I become a occupational therapy assistant in Wyoming?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Wyoming
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 Jackson. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Jackson 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