Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Saginaw, MI: $68,272 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Saginaw, MI earns a median $68,272/year (≈ $32.83/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Saginaw's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $73,253 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual compensation of $68,272, the occupational therapy assistant salary in Saginaw, MI, reflects the distinctive employment landscape shaped by the structural divide among skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), school systems, and hospital settings. While the salary range spans from $49,364 at the 10th percentile to $81,912 at the 90th percentile, these figures provide a targeted insight into local market conditions. Adjusted for regional cost factors based on 2025 BLS data, these projections indicate a competitive pay scale that can vary drastically depending on the work environment. Notably, the pressures stemming from the recent post-Medicare cut realities have further nuanced the availability and pay levels for these vital healthcare roles in the area.
About the Saginaw Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,364 | $23.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,085 | $27.92 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $68,272 | $32.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73,720 | $35.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81,912 | $39.38 |
Median Salary Position
8.15% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Saginaw
In Saginaw, MI, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $32,548 (2026 est.). At $68,272, the local median is 8.15% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Saginaw: You'd be above the median
How Saginaw Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Saginaw median: $68,272/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Saginaw Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $69,312 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -8.15% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Saginaw, MI earn a median of $68,272 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.15% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.50% below the Michigan state average of $69,312.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Saginaw 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.
Saginaw, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $68,272 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $73,253 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$56,496
2025 BLS Actual
$66,406
2026 Current Est.
$68,272
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Saginaw (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,496 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,809 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,698 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,012 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,547 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,782 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,406 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,272 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,190 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Saginaw metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $56,496 (2019) to $66,406 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $70,190 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,694 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Saginaw 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) | $49,364 – $58,085 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,085 – $68,272 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $68,272 – $73,720 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $73,720 – $81,912 |
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 Saginaw
Currently, there are only seven occupational therapy assistants employed in Saginaw, contributing to a somewhat limited job market. The cost-of-living index in Saginaw sits at 93.2, suggesting that the purchasing power afforded by these salaries may not keep pace with the national average. Generally, employers in hospital inpatient rehab settings tend to offer higher pay compared to those in schools or SNFs, where the effects of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut are felt most acutely. The disparity in salaries across settings is influenced by varying job expectations; for instance, roles demanding year-round availability or offering weekend PRN shifts typically command higher pay. Therefore, strategies for aspiring COTAs seeking to maximize compensation should focus on targeting inpatient rehabilitation facilities or pursuing specialized certifications, thereby improving their chances of securing more lucrative positions in Saginaw's competitive landscape.
More salary data for Saginaw, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Saginaw, MI in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Saginaw?
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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 $66,406 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Saginaw 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 Saginaw 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