Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Sherwood, OR: $72,265 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Sherwood, OR earns a median $72,265/year (≈ $34.74/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Sherwood's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.6), that paycheck buys what $70,434 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.2% below the Oregon state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Sherwood, Oregon, can expect a median annual salary of $72,265 in 2026. This figure reflects the competitive nature of the local job market and offers a salary range from $52,944 at the 10th percentile to $87,260 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, grounded in 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, reveal the varied income potential for COTAs working across different settings, such as skilled nursing facilities, schools, and hospitals. The recent realities following Medicare's reimbursement cuts complicate the landscape, especially for those in skilled nursing and outpatient environments. As Sherwood continues to develop its healthcare services, the demand for occupational therapy assistance remains steady, influencing local compensation trends.
About the Sherwood Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,944 | $25.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61,748 | $29.69 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $72,265 | $34.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76,150 | $36.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87,260 | $41.96 |
Median Salary Position
2.78% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sherwood
In Sherwood, OR, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,316 (2026 est.). At $72,265, the local median is 2.78% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Sherwood: You'd be above the median
How Sherwood Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Sherwood median: $72,265/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Sherwood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Average | $76,229 | -5.20% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -2.78% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Sherwood, OR earn a median of $72,265 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.78% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 5.20% below the Oregon state average of $76,229.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Sherwood has a cost of living 2.60% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Sherwood, OR has a cost-of-living index of 102.6 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $72,265 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $70,434 — a 2.53% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$59,800
2025 BLS Actual
$70,290
2026 Current Est.
$72,265
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Sherwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,800 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,190 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,014 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,464 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,147 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,998 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,290 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,265 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,296 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Sherwood metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $59,800 (2019) to $70,290 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $74,296 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,496 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sherwood 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) | $52,944 – $61,748 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $61,748 – $72,265 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $72,265 – $76,150 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $76,150 – $87,260 |
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 Sherwood
With four occupational therapy assistants currently employed in the Sherwood area, the local market appears robust, albeit with a cost-of-living index of 102.6, indicating slightly above-average living expenses. This reality can affect take-home pay, as higher costs may diminish purchasing power. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities typically offer the highest pay, followed by hospital inpatient rehab environments. The divide in compensation stems from several factors, including weekday versus weekend shifts, the expected productivity from COTAs, and the impact of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut instituted in 2022. For those pursuing opportunities in Sherwood, focusing on settings like hospitals and outpatient clinics can maximize salary potential, while considering contract structures that enable year-round employment to further enhance earnings.
More salary data for Sherwood, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Sherwood, OR in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Sherwood?
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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 $70,290 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Sherwood 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 Sherwood 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