Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Brookhaven, GA: $69,198 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Brookhaven, GA earns a median $69,198/year (≈ $33.27/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Brookhaven's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.1), that paycheck buys what $74,327 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.0% above the Georgia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the expected median annual occupational therapy assistant salary in Brookhaven, Georgia is $69,198. This figure positions the local pay slightly below the national median of $74,332, reflecting a disparity of nearly 7%. The earning potential for occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) in this area varies, with a salary range extending from $47,807 at the 10th percentile to $88,945 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local cost variables, indicate that while Brookhaven offers competitive compensation for OTAs, there are clear differences based on experience and employment settings. The local job market features a modest number of professionals in the field, which can influence productivity expectations and overall salary dynamics.
About the Brookhaven Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,807 | $22.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57,491 | $27.64 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $69,198 | $33.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73,887 | $35.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88,945 | $42.76 |
Median Salary Position
6.91% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brookhaven
In Brookhaven, GA, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,138 (2026 est.). At $69,198, the local median is 6.91% below the national median of $74,332.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Brookhaven: You'd be above the median
How Brookhaven Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Brookhaven median: $69,198/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Brookhaven Pays |
|---|---|---|
| National Average | $74,332 | -6.91% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Brookhaven, GA earn a median of $69,198 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.91% lower than the national median of $74,332.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Brookhaven has a cost of living 6.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Brookhaven, GA has a cost-of-living index of 93.1 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $69,198 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $74,327 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.41% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$57,262
2025 BLS Actual
$67,307
2026 Current Est.
$69,198
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Brookhaven (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,262 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,593 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,467 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,813 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,382 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,442 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,307 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,198 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,143 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Brookhaven metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $57,262 (2019) to $67,307 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $71,143 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,881 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brookhaven 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $47,807 – $57,491 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $57,491 – $69,198 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $69,198 – $73,887 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $73,887 – $88,945 |
OTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapy assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Market in Brookhaven
The local job market for occupational therapy assistants in Brookhaven remains relatively steady, with only eight practitioners currently employed in the area. This limited pool may restrict competition but also hints at potential job stability for those entering the field. The cost of living index in Brookhaven stands at 93.1, indicating a slightly lower living expense compared to the national average, which can enhance the purchasing power of salaries here. Among various employment options, skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics tend to offer higher wages, especially during peak operational hours or for specialized services. Factors contributing to wage discrepancies include the type of work setting, productivity expectations, and how the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut for OTA services affects pay structures. To optimize earnings locally, pursuing contracts in higher-paying settings, considering weekend shifts, or transitioning from an associate-level COTA to a Masters-level OT can be strategic pathways for career advancement in Brookhaven, GA.
More salary data for Brookhaven, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Brookhaven?
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $67,307 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Brookhaven metropolitan area. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brookhaven 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