Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Hermiston, OR: $72,328 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Hermiston, OR earns a median $72,328/year (≈ $34.77/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Hermiston's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.6), that paycheck buys what $70,495 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.2% below the Oregon state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hermiston, Oregon, the projected median annual salary for an occupational therapy assistant is $72,328 in 2026. This figure is slightly below the national median of $74,332, which emphasizes the local market's unique condition. The earnings span from a lower bound of $53,098 at the 10th percentile to a high of $87,455 at the 90th percentile, suggesting a diverse range of opportunities available to professionals in this field. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost variations, reinforcing the financial potential for individuals considering careers as occupational therapy assistants. As Hermiston continues to grow, the demand for skilled occupational therapy practitioners remains strong, creating a promising environment for future job seekers.
About the Hermiston Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,098 | $25.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61,879 | $29.75 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $72,328 | $34.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76,290 | $36.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87,455 | $42.05 |
Median Salary Position
2.7% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hermiston
In Hermiston, OR, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,357 (2026 est.). At $72,328, the local median is 2.7% below the national median of $74,332.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hermiston: You'd be above the median
How Hermiston Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Hermiston median: $72,328/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hermiston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Average | $76,295 | -5.20% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -2.70% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Hermiston, OR earn a median of $72,328 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.70% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 5.20% below the Oregon state average of $76,295.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hermiston has a cost of living 2.60% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hermiston, OR has a cost-of-living index of 102.6 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $72,328 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $70,495 — a 2.53% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$59,852
2025 BLS Actual
$70,351
2026 Current Est.
$72,328
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Hermiston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,852 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,243 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,066 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,518 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,204 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,059 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,351 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,328 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,360 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hermiston metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $59,852 (2019) to $70,351 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $74,360 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,508 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hermiston 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) | $53,098 – $61,879 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $61,879 – $72,328 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $72,328 – $76,290 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $76,290 – $87,455 |
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 Hermiston
Currently, there are six occupational therapy assistants employed in Hermiston, pointing to a niche but established job market. The local cost of living index stands at 102.6, higher than the national average, which affects the actual take-home pay for professionals in the field. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation centers often provide the most competitive wages, particularly given the increasing demand for rehabilitation services. The pay disparity can be attributed to various factors, including setting differences, productivity expectations, and the recent 15% cut in Medicare reimbursements for OTA-provided services. For those looking to maximize their salaries in Hermiston, seeking employment in environments with a greater focus on rehabilitation, such as inpatient settings, while aligning with the needs of school districts or outpatient clinics, can be effective strategies. Navigating these options may lead to more favorable financial outcomes.
More salary data for Hermiston, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Hermiston, OR in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Hermiston?
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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 $70,351 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Hermiston 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 Hermiston 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