Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Pocatello, ID: $71,103 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Pocatello, ID earns a median $71,103/year (≈ $34.18/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Pocatello's price level (5% below national, BEA RPP 95.3), that paycheck buys what $74,610 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.4% above the Idaho state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the occupational therapy assistant salary in Pocatello, ID, is projected to reach a median of $71,103, reflecting local estimates that factor in cost adjustments specific to the region. The anticipated salary range for professionals in this field varies significantly, from $49,633 at the 10th percentile to $85,058 at the 90th percentile. Although the median salary in Pocatello is slightly less than the national figure of $74,332, the area's affordable cost of living offers a different perspective on take-home earnings. Local opportunities for occupational therapy assistants are likely to be influenced by the potential for enhancing skills through the COTA-to-MOT bridge, which can significantly impact lifetime earning potential in this high-demand field.
About the Pocatello Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,633 | $23.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59,402 | $28.56 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $71,103 | $34.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76,222 | $36.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85,058 | $40.90 |
Median Salary Position
4.34% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pocatello
In Pocatello, ID, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,425 (2026 est.). At $71,103, the local median is 4.34% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Pocatello: You'd be above the median
How Pocatello Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Pocatello median: $71,103/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pocatello Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Idaho Average | $70,820 | +0.40% more |
| National Average | $74,332 | -4.34% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Pocatello, ID earn a median of $71,103 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.34% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 0.40% above the Idaho state average of $70,820.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pocatello has a cost of living 4.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pocatello, ID has a cost-of-living index of 95.3 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $71,103 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $74,610 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$55,260
2025 BLS Actual
$69,160
2026 Current Est.
$71,103
2019–2027 Growth
+32.3%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Pocatello (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,260 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,207 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,049 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,460 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,100 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,220 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,160 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,103 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,101 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pocatello metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 25.2% from $55,260 (2019) to $69,160 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $73,101 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,841 (32.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pocatello 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) | $49,633 – $59,402 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $59,402 – $71,103 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $71,103 – $76,222 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $76,222 – $85,058 |
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 Pocatello
With only 12 occupational therapy assistants currently employed in Pocatello, the job market remains modest yet steady, especially considering the area's cost-of-living index of 95.3, which is below the national average. This translates to a favorable purchasing power for those earning in the projected salary range. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities typically provide the highest salaries, although outpatient clinics and hospital inpatient rehab facilities are also competitive. Factors such as job settings, productivity expectations, and the impact of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut for OTA services influence the wide salary variation. To maximize pay, aspiring occupational therapy assistants in Pocatello should seek to align their work schedules with high-demand environments, consider opportunities for continuous education, and remain flexible in their employment contracts to enhance earnings over time.
More salary data for Pocatello, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Pocatello, ID in 2026?
Is Pocatello, ID a good place to work as a occupational therapy assistant?
Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Pocatello?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapy assistant salary in Pocatello?
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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 $69,160 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Pocatello 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 Pocatello 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