Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Powell, WY: $44,164 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Powell, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $44,164 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Powell's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $46,100 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($57,289) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates seeking a position as an occupational therapy assistant in Powell, Wyoming, the starting salary may be around $44,164 in 2026. While this figure is below the city's projected median annual salary of $57,289, it reflects realistic expectations for entry-level positions in this field. As new COTAs gain experience, they can expect salary growth from the starting range to approximately $50,726 at the 25th percentile after a few years, ultimately aiming towards the median as they enhance their skills and increase their responsibilities. Considering the projected growth rate of 2.81% annually, Powell presents an encouraging job market for recent graduates, allowing them to build a solid foundation in their occupational therapy careers.
About the Powell Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Powell
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 Powell
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Powell, WY typically start between $44,164 and $50,726 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $24,288 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $57,289 — 22.93% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Wyoming of $18,000 represents just 40.76% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($44,164/year) in Powell. 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 Powell
- 1Research the Powell market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $44,164 to $50,726, 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 Powell, 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 Powell for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Powell'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 Powell is $24,288 ( 55.00%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $44,164, experienced hygienists can earn up to $68,452.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$34,814
2025 BLS Actual
$42,957
2026 Current Est.
$44,164
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Powell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,814 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,024 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,053 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,995 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,604 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,031 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,957 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,164 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,405 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Powell, WY grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $34,814 in 2019 to $42,957 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $45,405. New graduates entering the Powell job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Powell 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 Powell
When evaluating potential employers in Powell, new graduates will find that skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are typically the largest employers, often hiring entry-level COTAs for rehabilitation services. School districts are another viable option, especially since they usually provide summer breaks, which may appeal to newcomers. Although outpatient clinics generally prefer experienced COTAs, they may offer training opportunities in specialized areas such as pediatric or hand therapy for motivated new graduates. To boost starting pay in Wyoming, it's essential for new COTAs to hold an associate's degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, pass the NBCOT exam for COTA credentials, and obtain a state OTA license. Strategies for the first few years should focus on gaining supervised experience while adhering to Medicare rules, particularly given the 15% cut to OTA-provided services that took effect in 2022. Realistic pay growth could see new professionals moving towards more competitive salaries as they build their careers in this evolving field.
More salary data for Powell, WY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapy assistants in Powell in 2026?
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Is occupational therapy school worth it in Powell?
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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 Powell. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Powell 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