Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Sandy Springs, GA: $81,949 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Sandy Springs, GA earns a median $81,949/year (≈ $39.40/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Sandy Springs's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.1), that paycheck buys what $88,023 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 18.4% above the Georgia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the occupational therapy assistant salary in Sandy Springs, GA, is projected to reach $81,949 annually, representing a notable increase when compared to the national median of $74,332. The local salary range spans from $56,729 at the 10th percentile to $100,727 at the 90th percentile, reflecting both the diverse settings and productivity expectations that shape compensation in this market. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost variations, indicate a promising outlook for occupational therapy assistants in the area, driven by a steady growth rate of 2.81% per year. Given the healthcare demand in Sandy Springs, opportunities for COTAs remain robust, making it a desirable field for both current practitioners and new graduates.
About the Sandy Springs Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,729 | $27.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $68,341 | $32.86 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $81,949 | $39.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89,350 | $42.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100,727 | $48.42 |
Median Salary Position
10.25% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sandy Springs
In Sandy Springs, GA, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $43,998 (2026 est.). At $81,949, the local median is 10.25% above the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Sandy Springs: You'd be above the median
How Sandy Springs Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Sandy Springs median: $81,949/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Sandy Springs Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Average | $69,214 | +18.40% more |
| National Average | $74,332 | +10.25% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Sandy Springs, GA earn a median of $81,949 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.25% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 18.40% above the Georgia state average of $69,214.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Sandy Springs 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.
Sandy Springs, GA has a cost-of-living index of 93.1 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $81,949 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $88,023 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.41% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$67,813
2025 BLS Actual
$79,709
2026 Current Est.
$81,949
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Sandy Springs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,813 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,390 | Actual |
| 2021 | $68,056 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,834 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,877 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,274 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,709 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,949 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,252 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Sandy Springs metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $67,813 (2019) to $79,709 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $84,252 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,439 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sandy Springs 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) | $56,729 – $68,341 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $68,341 – $81,949 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $81,949 – $89,350 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $89,350 – $100,727 |
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 Sandy Springs
The job market in Sandy Springs, with 18 occupational therapy assistants employed, presents a favorable environment for professionals in this field. The area's cost of living index of 93.1 indicates that salaries can go further than in more expensive locations, enhancing purchasing power for those working here. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics typically offer higher pay, influenced by productivity expectations and the challenges posed by the ongoing 15% Medicare reimbursement cut for OTA services. Variations in pay are also impacted by the type of contracts—year-round roles often command different compensation compared to school-year positions. To maximize occupational therapy assistant pay in Sandy Springs, candidates should consider seeking opportunities in high-paying settings, leverage specializations, and explore partnerships with employer organizations for potential benefits.
More salary data for Sandy Springs, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $79,709 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Sandy Springs 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 Sandy Springs 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