Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Pontiac, MI: $66,897 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Pontiac, MI earns a median $66,897/year (≈ $32.16/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Pontiac's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $71,778 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% below the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pontiac, MI, an occupational therapy assistant can expect to earn a median annual salary of $66,897 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $74,332. Salaries in this field range from $47,929 at the 10th percentile to $81,567 at the 90th percentile, reflecting varying levels of experience and specific job roles. These projections rely on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and regional price parities. While the salary figures indicate a solid compensation structure, they highlight the pressing need for COTAs in Pontiac to maximize productivity during therapy sessions, particularly given the local demand for services and limited job openings.
About the Pontiac Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,929 | $23.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56,813 | $27.32 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $66,897 | $32.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,638 | $34.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81,567 | $39.21 |
Median Salary Position
10% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pontiac
In Pontiac, MI, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $33,638 (2026 est.). At $66,897, the local median is 10% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Pontiac: You'd be above the median
How Pontiac Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Pontiac median: $66,897/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pontiac Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $69,252 | -3.40% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -10.00% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Pontiac, MI earn a median of $66,897 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.00% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 3.40% below the Michigan state average of $69,252.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pontiac 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.
Pontiac, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $66,897 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $71,778 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$55,358
2025 BLS Actual
$65,069
2026 Current Est.
$66,897
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Pontiac (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,358 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,645 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,556 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,824 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,308 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,599 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,069 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,897 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,777 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pontiac metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $55,358 (2019) to $65,069 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $68,777 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,419 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pontiac 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) | $47,929 – $56,813 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $56,813 – $66,897 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $66,897 – $72,638 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,638 – $81,567 |
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 Pontiac
In terms of job market dynamics, Pontiac employs approximately 12 occupational therapy assistants, presenting a competitive but limited landscape for new entrants. The cost of living index stands at 93.2, suggesting that salaries may stretch further in this relatively affordable area compared to national averages. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities typically offer the highest pay, followed by hospital inpatient rehabilitation centers. The disparity between entry-level pay and top earning potential can often be attributed to setting differences, productivity expectations, and the impacts of recent Medicare reimbursement cuts. For those considering employment as an occupational therapy assistant in Pontiac, focusing on settings that provide opportunities for weekend or PRN work may enhance earning potential, alongside additional training pathways such as COTA-to-MOT programs that can assist in gaining higher credentials and roles in the field.
More salary data for Pontiac, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Pontiac, MI in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Pontiac?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapy assistant salary in Pontiac?
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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 $65,069 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Pontiac 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 Pontiac 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