Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Pendleton, OR: $73,262 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Pendleton, OR earns a median $73,262/year (≈ $35.22/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Pendleton's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.6), that paycheck buys what $71,405 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.9% below the Oregon state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Pendleton, Oregon, can expect a median annual salary of $73,262 in 2026, which slightly lags behind the national figure of $74,332. This local pay encompasses a range where entry-level positions may earn around $55,331, while experienced assistants could make as much as $83,318 per year. These projections are drawn from estimated data based on 2025 BLS data and regional cost adjustments, reflecting the unique economic landscape of Pendleton. With five occupational therapy assistants currently working in the area, the effectiveness of their roles hinges on the productivity expectations set by their employers, which impact their overall compensation.
About the Pendleton Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,331 | $26.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63,861 | $30.70 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $73,262 | $35.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,442 | $37.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83,318 | $40.05 |
Median Salary Position
1.44% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pendleton
In Pendleton, OR, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,987 (2026 est.). At $73,262, the local median is 1.44% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Pendleton: You'd be above the median
How Pendleton Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Pendleton median: $73,262/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pendleton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Average | $76,236 | -3.90% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -1.44% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Pendleton, OR earn a median of $73,262 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.44% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 3.90% below the Oregon state average of $76,236.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pendleton has a cost of living 2.60% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pendleton, OR has a cost-of-living index of 102.6 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $73,262 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $71,405 — a 2.53% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,625
2025 BLS Actual
$71,260
2026 Current Est.
$73,262
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Pendleton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,625 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,035 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,842 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,326 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,046 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,965 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,260 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,262 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,321 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pendleton metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $60,625 (2019) to $71,260 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $75,321 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,696 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pendleton 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) | $55,331 – $63,861 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $63,861 – $73,262 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $73,262 – $78,442 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,442 – $83,318 |
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 Pendleton
In terms of market dynamics, the cost of living index in Pendleton stands at 102.6, indicating that while salaries may be comparatively lower, the expense of living slightly exceeds the national average. This scenario puts pressure on take-home pay and purchasing power, influencing how much of their salary occupational therapy assistants realistically benefit from. Employers in skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehab tend to offer the most competitive pay, particularly with the backdrop of productivity demands and recent reimbursement changes from Medicare affecting the sector. The wide pay range is driven by factors such as work setting, weekend premiums, and the impact of school year versus year-round contracts. For those looking to maximize their pay in Pendleton, pursuing roles in settings that offer higher salaries, while also considering the effects of part-time versus full-time hours, can help enhance overall compensation.
More salary data for Pendleton, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Pendleton, OR in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Pendleton?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapy assistant salary in Pendleton?
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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 $71,260 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Pendleton 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 Pendleton 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