Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in York, PA: $65,983 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in York, PA earns a median $65,983/year (≈ $31.73/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in York's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $68,732 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% above the Pennsylvania state average.
Official BLS data · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in York, Pennsylvania, can expect a median annual salary of $65,983 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $74,332. The salary range for this role varies significantly from $57,008 at the 10th percentile to $78,866 at the 90th percentile, highlighting disparities in pay driven by employment settings and local demand. This data, derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) surveys, reflects the realities of the job market where skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and outpatient clinics compete for talent, particularly in light of the post-Medicare cut adjustments in reimbursement structures.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,008 | $27.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60,792 | $29.23 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,983 | $31.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,334 | $37.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78,866 | $37.92 |
Median Salary Position
11.23% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in York
In York, PA, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $21,858 (2026 est.). At $65,983, the local median is 11.23% below the national median of $74,332.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in York: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How York Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
York median: $65,983/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | York Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Average | $65,786 | +0.30% more |
| National Average | $74,332 | -11.23% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in York, PA earn a median of $65,983 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.23% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 0.30% above the Pennsylvania state average of $65,786.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
York has a cost of living 4.00% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
York, PA has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $65,983 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $68,732 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$50,350
2025 BLS Actual
$64,180
2026 Current Est.
$65,983
2019–2027 Growth
+34.7%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in York (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,350 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,290 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,950 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,610 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,150 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,160 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,180 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,983 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,838 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the York metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 27.5% from $50,350 (2019) to $64,180 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,838 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,488 (34.73%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the York 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) | $57,008 – $60,792 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $60,792 – $65,983 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,983 – $77,334 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,334 – $78,866 |
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 York
In York, about 50 occupational therapy assistants are currently employed, suggesting a stable but competitive job market. The cost of living index here is 96, indicating that expenses are relatively lower than the national average, which can positively influence take-home pay. Employers such as hospitals and rehabilitation centers tend to provide higher compensation compared to schools and skilled nursing facilities, largely due to higher productivity expectations and the critical nature of services delivered. Factors such as the recent 15% Medicare reimbursement cut and varying contract terms for school-year positions also contribute to wage disparities, making it essential for COTAs to consider settings that maximize earning potential. To secure higher pay in the local market, focusing on hospital or outpatient roles may be advantageous, especially as these offer opportunities for additional shifts and productivity bonuses.
More salary data for York, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in York, PA in 2026?
Is York, PA a good place to work as a occupational therapy assistant?
Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in York?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapy assistant salary in York?
How much does a occupational therapy assistant make per hour in York?
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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 $64,180 for occupational therapy assistantsin the York 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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