Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in St. George, UT: $71,245 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in St. George, UT earns a median $71,245/year (≈ $34.26/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in St. George's price level (2% below national, BEA RPP 98.1), that paycheck buys what $72,625 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.3% below the Utah state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In St. George, UT, the projected median salary for an occupational therapy assistant stands at $71,245 for the year 2026, reflecting a slight dip from the national median of $74,332. Local estimates suggest a comprehensive annual salary range from $52,066 at the 10th percentile to $91,109 for those in the 90th percentile. As these figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026 accounting for regional cost adjustments, they paint a clear picture of earning potential in the area. For professionals considering the COTA-to-MOT bridge, the enhanced qualifications can significantly elevate lifetime earnings and opportunities within St. George's evolving healthcare landscape.
About the St. George Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,066 | $25.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61,491 | $29.56 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $71,245 | $34.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,903 | $38.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91,109 | $43.81 |
Median Salary Position
4.15% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in St. George
In St. George, UT, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,043 (2026 est.). At $71,245, the local median is 4.15% below the national median of $74,332.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in St. George: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How St. George Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
St. George median: $71,245/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | St. George Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Utah Average | $72,922 | -2.30% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -4.15% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in St. George, UT earn a median of $71,245 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.15% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 2.30% below the Utah state average of $72,922.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
St. George has a cost of living 1.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
St. George, UT has a cost-of-living index of 98.1 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $71,245 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $72,625 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.94% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$58,956
2025 BLS Actual
$69,298
2026 Current Est.
$71,245
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in St. George (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,956 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,327 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,167 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,582 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,228 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,509 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,298 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,245 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,247 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the St. George metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $58,956 (2019) to $69,298 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $73,247 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,291 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the St. George 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) | $52,066 – $61,491 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $61,491 – $71,245 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $71,245 – $79,903 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,903 – $91,109 |
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 St. George
When analyzing occupational therapy assistant pay in St. George, it’s crucial to consider the local job market housing only 14 employed professionals in this field. The cost of living index sits at 98.1, which indicates that living expenses are below the national average, positively impacting the purchasing power of OTA salaries. Competition among employers such as skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics drives wage variance, with hospitals typically offering the highest compensation due to greater productivity expectations and the need for specialized services. However, the 15% reduction in Medicare reimbursements affecting OTA-provided services may compress salaries in some settings. To maximize pay, occupational therapy assistants in St. George should seek out positions in high-demand environments and consider year-round contracts over school-year roles, which can significantly enhance annual income.
More salary data for St. George, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in St. George, UT in 2026?
Is St. George, UT a good place to work as a occupational therapy assistant?
Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in St. George?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapy assistant salary in St. George?
How much does a occupational therapy assistant make per hour in St. George?
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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 $69,298 for occupational therapy assistantsin the St. George 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 St. George 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