Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Alaska: $57,661 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Alaska's 5 metropolitan areas, the average median occupational therapy assistant pay sits at $57,661/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 31-2011. Because Alaska sits at BEA RPP 106.1 (6% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $54,346 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Fairbanks ($76,084), Juneau ($75,834), Wasilla ($70,916).
In 2026, the average median salary for occupational therapy assistants in Alaska is projected to be $57,661, which is significantly lower than the national median of $74,332, creating a gap of -22.4%. Salaries vary widely across the state, with Fairbanks offering the highest average at $78,222, while Anchorage has the lowest at $50,428. This salary disparity can be attributed to factors such as cost of living, demand for services, and the density of healthcare facilities in different areas. In Alaska, specific state licensing requirements and scope of practice laws influence employment opportunities for occupational therapy assistants. The demand for these professionals is driven by the growing focus on rehabilitation services, particularly in remote or underserved communities. With a projected annual growth rate of 2.81%, the job market for occupational therapy assistants appears stable. Key cities providing employment in this field include Fairbanks, Juneau at $77,965, Wasilla at $72,909, and Sitka at $72,861. Understanding these regional differences can help in making informed decisions about career paths and potential earnings in Alaska's healthcare landscape.
Alaska Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary Range
Overall salary range in Alaska: $35,068 (lowest entry-level) to $98,595 (highest top earner)
Alaska vs National Average
Alaska occupational therapy assistants earn 22.43% less than the national median ($-16,671/year difference).
Alaska Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary Distribution (2026)
Occupational Therapy Assistant salaries in Alaska range from $41,048 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $95,886 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $57,661. The Alaska median is $16,671 below the US national median of $74,332. The average hourly rate is $27.72/hr. Approximately 70 occupational therapy assistants are employed across 5 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$47,715
2025 BLS Actual
$56,085
2026 Current Est.
$57,661
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Alaska (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,715 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,824 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,885 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,420 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,360 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,956 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,085 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,661 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,281 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Alaska metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $47,715 (2019) to $56,085 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,281 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,566 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Alaska 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Alaska
Best Value Cities for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Alaska
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Alaska cities offer the most purchasing power for occupational therapy assistants.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fairbanks | $78,222 | 106.1 | $73,725 |
| Juneau | $77,965 | 106.1 | $73,483 |
| Wasilla | $72,909 | 106.1 | $68,717 |
| Sitka | $72,861 | 106.1 | $68,672 |
| Anchorage | $50,428 | 105.42 | $47,835 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Alaska
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $41,048 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $57,661 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $95,886 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Alaska metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 5 Cities in Alaska
More Alaska Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore occupational therapy assistant hourly pay in Alaska cities.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced occupational therapy assistants.
Explore More Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Alaska in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for occupational therapy assistants in Alaska?
How does Alaska occupational therapy assistant pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level occupational therapy assistant salary in Alaska?
How many occupational therapy assistants are employed in Alaska?
Which Alaska city offers the best value for occupational therapy assistants?
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
Statewide 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. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 occupational therapy assistant compensation across Alaska. State averages are employment-weighted across 5 metro areas — larger metro areas with more occupational therapy assistantscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 4-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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