Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Louisville/Jefferson County, KY: $69,746 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Louisville/Jefferson County, KY earns a median $69,746/year (≈ $33.54/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Louisville/Jefferson County's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.1), that paycheck buys what $74,936 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% above the Kentucky state average.
Official BLS data · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Louisville/Jefferson County, KY, can expect a median annual salary of $69,746 in 2026, reflecting the area's unique healthcare dynamics in light of recent changes in Medicare funding. The salary range spans from $49,801 at the 10th percentile to $80,932 at the 90th percentile, illustrating significant disparity tied to work settings—primarily influenced by the realities after the 15% Medicare cut. Data derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys reveals that both skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics have been under pressure to optimize costs while maintaining service quality. As such, the evolving landscape of service delivery affects local compensation structures, increasingly prioritizing the roles that align closely with inpatient rehab and school district contracts.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,801 | $23.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $65,264 | $31.38 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $69,746 | $33.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,040 | $38.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80,932 | $38.91 |
Median Salary Position
6.17% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Louisville/Jefferson County
In Louisville/Jefferson County, KY, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $31,131 (2026 est.). At $69,746, the local median is 6.17% below the national median of $74,332.
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How Louisville/Jefferson County Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Louisville/Jefferson County median: $69,746/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Louisville/Jefferson County Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $66,362 | +5.10% more |
| National Average | $74,332 | -6.17% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Louisville/Jefferson County, KY earn a median of $69,746 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.17% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 5.10% above the Kentucky state average of $66,362.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Louisville/Jefferson County has a cost of living 6.93% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY has a cost-of-living index of 93.074 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $69,746 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $74,936 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.44% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$58,410
2025 BLS Actual
$67,840
2026 Current Est.
$69,746
2019–2027 Growth
+22.8%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Louisville/Jefferson County (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,410 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,090 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,050 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,900 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,830 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,980 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,840 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,746 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,706 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Louisville/Jefferson County metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 16.1% from $58,410 (2019) to $67,840 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $71,706 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,296 (22.76%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Louisville/Jefferson County 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) | $49,801 – $65,264 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $65,264 – $69,746 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $69,746 – $79,040 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,040 – $80,932 |
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 Louisville/Jefferson County
In Louisville/Jefferson County, 170 occupational therapy assistants are employed, highlighting a market that, despite its challenges, offers opportunities for growth with an annual growth rate of 2.81%. The cost of living index at 93.074 underscores the relatively affordable environment in which these professionals operate, enhancing their take-home purchasing power. Employers in hospital rehab settings tend to offer higher salaries compared to school systems or skilled nursing facilities, especially as the latter still grapple with the effects of recent Medicare reimbursement cuts. To maximize earning potential in this specific market, COTAs should consider diversifying their experience across various settings, pursuing advanced certifications, or exploring contracts during school year breaks. Taking proactive measures regarding professional development can significantly improve the occupational therapy assistant pay in Louisville/Jefferson County, KY.
More salary data for Louisville/Jefferson County, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Louisville/Jefferson County?
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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 $67,840 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Louisville/Jefferson County 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-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