Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Rome, GA: $65,974 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Rome, GA earns a median $65,974/year (≈ $31.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Rome's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.1), that paycheck buys what $70,864 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.7% below the Georgia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistant salaries in Rome, Georgia, reflect the complexities of employment across various settings, particularly in light of recent Medicare reimbursement cuts. In 2026, the median annual salary for this role is projected to be $65,974, which is notably lower than the national median of $74,332. Locally, salaries range from $49,539 at the 10th percentile to $78,981 at the 90th percentile, according to estimates derived from 2025 BLS data. The differing pay grades often correlate with the work environment, with hospital-based positions generally offering better compensation compared to skilled nursing facilities and school contracts. Such wage disparities emphasize the need for new COTAs to strategically consider their employment choices within the Roman market, especially post-Medicare cuts that have impacted various therapy sectors.
About the Rome Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,539 | $23.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57,487 | $27.64 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,974 | $31.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71,133 | $34.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78,981 | $37.97 |
Median Salary Position
11.24% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rome
In Rome, GA, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,442 (2026 est.). At $65,974, the local median is 11.24% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Rome: You'd be above the median
How Rome Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Rome median: $65,974/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rome Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Average | $69,228 | -4.70% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -11.24% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Rome, GA earn a median of $65,974 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.24% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 4.70% below the Georgia state average of $69,228.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rome 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.
Rome, GA has a cost-of-living index of 93.1 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $65,974 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $70,864 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.41% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$54,594
2025 BLS Actual
$64,171
2026 Current Est.
$65,974
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Rome (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,594 | Actual |
| 2020 | $72,920 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,789 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,026 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,476 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,130 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,171 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,974 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,828 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rome metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $54,594 (2019) to $64,171 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,828 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,234 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rome 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) | $49,539 – $57,487 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $57,487 – $65,974 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,974 – $71,133 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $71,133 – $78,981 |
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 Rome
The job market for occupational therapy assistants in Rome currently employs eight practitioners, reflecting a niche but stable demand. With a cost-of-living index of 93.1, residents enjoy a slightly lower economic environment, which can enhance the effectiveness of their take-home pay. Skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation typically provide the most lucrative opportunities among local employers. The pay gap between lower and higher salaries in this field often arises from factors such as productivity expectations, the pressures of PRN work, and the seasonal nature of school-based contracts. Furthermore, the 15% reduction in Medicare reimbursements has changed financial dynamics, encouraging many to explore settings that offer year-round engagement. For COTAs looking to maximize their earnings in Rome, it may be advantageous to pursue positions in higher-paying environments like hospitals and to remain open to overtime and PRN opportunities to supplement their income.
More salary data for Rome, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Rome?
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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 $64,171 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Rome 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 Rome 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