Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Lorain, OH: $65,968 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Lorain, OH earns a median $65,968/year (≈ $31.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Lorain's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $72,732 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% above the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected occupational therapy assistant salary in Lorain, Ohio, is estimated at $65,968. This figure highlights a noteworthy gap when compared to the national median of $74,332, indicating a localized salary compression that is influenced by the dynamics within various healthcare settings. The salary range spans from $44,807 at the lower percentile to $79,685 at the higher end, demonstrating the variability in compensation. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price parities, reflect the challenges faced by professionals in Lorain’s job market, where many occupational therapy assistants navigate the complexities of skilled nursing facilities, schools, and hospital environments—all of which are impacted by the recent Medicare cuts.
About the Lorain Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,807 | $21.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,189 | $27.97 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,968 | $31.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71,332 | $34.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79,685 | $38.31 |
Median Salary Position
11.25% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lorain
In Lorain, OH, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,878 (2026 est.). At $65,968, the local median is 11.25% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Lorain: You'd be above the median
How Lorain Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Lorain median: $65,968/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lorain Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $65,250 | +1.10% more |
| National Average | $74,332 | -11.25% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Lorain, OH earn a median of $65,968 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.25% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.10% above the Ohio state average of $65,250.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lorain 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.
Lorain, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $65,968 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $72,732 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$54,589
2025 BLS Actual
$64,165
2026 Current Est.
$65,968
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Lorain (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,589 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,858 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,784 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,021 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,470 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,508 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,165 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,968 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,822 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lorain metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $54,589 (2019) to $64,165 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,822 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,233 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lorain 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) | $44,807 – $58,189 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,189 – $65,968 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,968 – $71,332 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $71,332 – $79,685 |
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 Lorain
The job market for occupational therapy assistants in Lorain is relatively small, with just 12 professionals currently employed in the field. This limited number, combined with the area's cost-of-living index of 90.7, suggests that occupational therapy assistant pay in Lorain, OH, provides a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Skilled nursing facilities typically pay lower compared to other settings, as the impact of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut continues to be felt. In contrast, hospital inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient clinics often offer better compensation due to higher productivity expectations. To maximize earnings, COTAs might consider roles in high-demand environments or seeking positions in local schools with year-round contracts. Emphasizing flexibility in scheduling and actively pursuing continuing education, such as a COTA-to-MOT bridge, can provide a pathway to enhanced financial prospects in the region.
More salary data for Lorain, OH:
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 $64,165 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Lorain 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 Lorain 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