Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Delaware, OH: $64,447 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Delaware, OH earns a median $64,447/year (≈ $30.99/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Delaware's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $71,055 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% below the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected compensation for occupational therapy assistants in Delaware, OH is set at $64,447 annually, which reflects a 13.30% decrease compared to the national median of $74,332. The salary range for this profession spans from $46,820 at the 10th percentile to $75,143 at the 90th percentile, illustrating a competitive market that rewards productivity and experience. These figures are drawn from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost-of-living variations. Given that occupational therapy assistants often work under the supervision of occupational therapists, the efficiency and number of patient visits can directly impact earnings. With only seven occupational therapy assistants currently employed in the area, the job market in Delaware is both stable and influenced by local healthcare needs.
About the Delaware Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,820 | $22.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57,488 | $27.64 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,447 | $30.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68,457 | $32.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75,143 | $36.13 |
Median Salary Position
13.3% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Delaware
In Delaware, OH, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $28,323 (2026 est.). At $64,447, the local median is 13.3% below the national median of $74,332.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Delaware: You'd be above the median
How Delaware Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Delaware median: $64,447/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Delaware Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $65,296 | -1.30% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -13.30% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Delaware, OH earn a median of $64,447 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.30% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.30% below the Ohio state average of $65,296.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Delaware has a cost of living 9.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Delaware, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $64,447 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $71,055 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,331
2025 BLS Actual
$62,686
2026 Current Est.
$64,447
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Delaware (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,331 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,571 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,522 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,706 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,099 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,114 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,686 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,447 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,258 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Delaware metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $53,331 (2019) to $62,686 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,258 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,927 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Delaware 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) | $46,820 – $57,488 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $57,488 – $64,447 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,447 – $68,457 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $68,457 – $75,143 |
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 Delaware
In Delaware, where the cost-of-living index is 90.7, occupational therapy assistant pay tends to afford a reasonable standard of living, albeit slightly below the national average. Employers such as skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation centers typically offer higher wages compared to schools or outpatient clinics, especially given the challenges posed by the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut implemented in 2022. Factors contributing to the salary variation include work settings, productivity expectations, and seasonal demand fluctuations. For those looking to maximize earnings, it may be beneficial to pursue contracts with rehabilitation hospitals or skilled nursing facilities, which usually compensate higher than educational institutions. Engaging in professional development, such as bridging from COTA to MOT, could enhance potential earnings in a competitive landscape, making exploration of advanced qualifications invaluable in shaping an occupational therapy assistant career in Delaware, OH.
More salary data for Delaware, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Delaware?
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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 $62,686 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Delaware 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 Delaware 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