Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Jackson, MI: $68,320 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Jackson, MI earns a median $68,320/year (≈ $32.85/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Jackson's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $73,305 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Jackson, MI, the projected median annual occupational therapy assistant salary is $68,320 for 2026, representing a notable position within the local healthcare market despite being roughly 8.09% lower than the national median of $74,332. Professionals in this field can expect to earn salaries ranging from $49,192 at the 10th percentile to $79,648 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a diverse landscape of compensation tied to experience, specialization, and type of employment. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost differentials, highlight the local trends influencing occupational therapy assistant pay in Jackson. As the demand for quality rehabilitation services continues to grow, understanding these salary dynamics is crucial for prospective occupational therapy assistants in the area.
About the Jackson Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,192 | $23.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,186 | $27.97 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $68,320 | $32.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,358 | $34.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79,648 | $38.30 |
Median Salary Position
8.09% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Jackson
In Jackson, MI, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $30,456 (2026 est.). At $68,320, the local median is 8.09% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Jackson: You'd be above the median
How Jackson Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Jackson median: $68,320/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Jackson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $69,290 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -8.09% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Jackson, MI earn a median of $68,320 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.09% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.40% below the Michigan state average of $69,290.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Jackson 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.
Jackson, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $68,320 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $73,305 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$56,536
2025 BLS Actual
$66,453
2026 Current Est.
$68,320
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Jackson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,536 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,850 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,738 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,054 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,591 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,824 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,453 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,320 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,240 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Jackson metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $56,536 (2019) to $66,453 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $70,240 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,704 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jackson 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) | $49,192 – $58,186 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,186 – $68,320 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $68,320 – $72,358 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,358 – $79,648 |
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 Jackson
Currently, there are only six occupational therapy assistants employed in Jackson, which suggests a competitive and somewhat limited job market. The local cost of living index, sitting at 93.2, indicates that the expenses in Jackson are below the national average, potentially allowing for a comfortable standard of living despite the salary nuances. In terms of employer types, outpatient clinics and skilled nursing facilities typically offer the most competitive pay. Factors such as productivity expectations, the impact of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut initiated in 2022, and workplace settings can create a significant disparity in compensation. To enhance earning potential in Jackson, occupational therapy assistants should consider working in high-demand environments such as hospital inpatient rehab or exploring year-round contracts, which often provide better stability. Additionally, developing specialized skills and certifications could position a COTA for higher pay rates as they advance in their careers, especially if seeking to bridge to a Master’s level in occupational therapy.
More salary data for Jackson, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Jackson?
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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 $66,453 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Jackson 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 Jackson 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