Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Laramie, WY: $44,343 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Laramie, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $44,343 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Laramie's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $46,287 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($61,273) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Laramie, Wyoming, the starting occupational therapy assistant salary for new graduates is projected at $44,343 in 2026. This entry-level pay represents a significant gap compared to the median salary of $61,273, which indicates the potential for salary growth as individuals accumulate experience in the field. Over the first three to five years, entry-level assistants could expect to see their salaries progress through the P25 level of $52,351, eventually approaching the city median. Given these figures and the annual growth rate of 2.81%, Laramie currently presents a viable market for fresh graduates, offering a reasonable starting point for those entering the occupational therapy assistant profession in 2026.
About the Laramie Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Laramie
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 Laramie
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Laramie, WY typically start between $44,343 and $52,351 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $27,355 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $61,273 — 17.57% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Wyoming of $18,000 represents just 40.59% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($44,343/year) in Laramie. 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 Laramie
- 1Research the Laramie market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $44,343 to $52,351, 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 Laramie, 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 Laramie for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Laramie'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 Laramie is $27,355 ( 61.69%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $44,343, experienced hygienists can earn up to $71,698.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$34,955
2025 BLS Actual
$43,131
2026 Current Est.
$44,343
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Laramie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,955 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,170 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,211 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,157 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,769 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,221 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,131 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,343 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,589 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Laramie, WY grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $34,955 in 2019 to $43,131 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $45,589. New graduates entering the Laramie job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Laramie 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 Laramie
In Laramie, various employers are keen to hire new grads in the occupational therapy assistant field. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) tend to employ most entry-level COTAs, offering solid training opportunities as they adjust to the 15% Medicare cut in reimbursement for OTA services. Additionally, school districts may appeal to new graduates due to their summer-off schedules, while outpatient clinics generally prefer experienced COTAs but may provide training for new graduates in specialized areas such as pediatric or hand therapy support. To boost starting pay in Wyoming, candidates should aim for credentials that include an Associate's degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, completion of the NBCOT national exam for COTA licensure, and obtaining a state OTA license. Newly minted COTAs should engage in ongoing education and consider advanced practice areas through the AOTA to enhance their marketability. Realistically, during the first three years, salary growth may lag behind national averages, but with dedication to professional development, local new graduates can build a strong foundation for their careers.
More salary data for Laramie, WY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapy assistants in Laramie in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapy assistant salaries grow in Laramie?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Laramie?
What do new occupational therapy assistants make right out of school in Laramie?
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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 Laramie. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Laramie 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