Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in East Lansing, MI: $66,632 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in East Lansing, MI earns a median $66,632/year (≈ $32.04/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in East Lansing's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $71,494 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In East Lansing, Michigan, the projected occupational therapy assistant salary in 2026 is estimated to be $66,632, reflecting regional economic conditions and productivity expectations inherent to the field. This figure sits within a spectrum ranging from $50,992 at the lower end (P10) to $83,253 for those in the upper echelon (P90). Such compensation levels are informed by local adaptations of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, as well as considerations for the cost of living in the area. With the ongoing growth trajectory for the profession anticipated at 2.81% annually, East Lansing presents a competitive environment for occupational therapy assistants seeking career advancement and financial stability amidst broader market changes.
About the East Lansing Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,992 | $24.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,768 | $28.25 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $66,632 | $32.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70,028 | $33.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83,253 | $40.02 |
Median Salary Position
10.36% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in East Lansing
In East Lansing, MI, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $32,261 (2026 est.). At $66,632, the local median is 10.36% below the national median of $74,332.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in East Lansing: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How East Lansing Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
East Lansing median: $66,632/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | East Lansing Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $69,264 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -10.36% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in East Lansing, MI earn a median of $66,632 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.36% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 3.80% below the Michigan state average of $69,264.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
East Lansing has a cost of living 6.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
East Lansing, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $66,632 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $71,494 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$55,139
2025 BLS Actual
$64,811
2026 Current Est.
$66,632
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in East Lansing (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,139 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,421 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,336 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,595 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,069 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,370 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,811 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,632 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,505 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the East Lansing metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $55,139 (2019) to $64,811 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $68,505 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,366 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the East Lansing 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) | $50,992 – $58,768 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,768 – $66,632 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $66,632 – $70,028 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $70,028 – $83,253 |
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 East Lansing
A closer examination of the job market reveals that only eight occupational therapy assistants are currently employed in East Lansing, indicating a tight-knit community of professionals. The local cost of living index stands at 93.2, which suggests that residents benefit from a lower than average expense structure compared to national standards. This reality enhances take-home purchasing power, allowing for a more comfortable lifestyle on the projected salaries. Among East Lansing employers, skilled nursing facilities tend to offer the highest wages, while roles within school districts generally present lower pay rates due to contract structures and seasonal work. Factors influencing the disparity in compensation include the productivity expectations tied to different settings and the recent 15% Medicare reimbursement cut affecting many OTA services, particularly in outpatient clinics and skilled nursing facilities. Aspiring occupational therapy assistants should explore multifaceted job opportunities and negotiate contracts effectively to maximize their earning potential in this specific market.
More salary data for East Lansing, MI:
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 $64,811 for occupational therapy assistantsin the East Lansing 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 East Lansing 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