Senior Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Youngstown, OH: $89,815 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of occupational therapy assistants working in Youngstown, OH — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $89,815/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2011. Strip back Youngstown's price premium (BEA RPP 87.4, 13% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $102,770 in average-cost America. The 48% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Youngstown, Ohio, who bring years of experience to their roles, find themselves in an advantageous position regarding earning potential. In 2026, the median annual salary is projected at $60,822, but those in the top 10% can expect to earn as much as $89,815. This significant gap between the median and top-tier earners illustrates the reward for seniority and specialized skills. The competitive pay in Youngstown, while lagging behind the national average of $74,332 by about 18.18%, reflects the local market dynamics and underscores the importance of continuous professional development to reach these higher salary bands.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Youngstown
Experienced occupational therapy assistants at the top of the pay scale in Youngstown earn between $71,011 and $89,815 per year (2026 est.). This $37,773 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Youngstown median of $60,822 sits 18.18% below the US median.
Top OTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Youngstown | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $60,822 | $74,332 |
| 75th Percentile | $71,011 | $81,384 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $89,815 | $92,303 |
In Youngstown, experienced occupational therapy assistants (P90) earn 47.67% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay in Youngstown
Advanced Certifications in Ohio
OH occupational therapy assistants with additional specialty certifications within the occupational therapy field earn significantly above the $60,822 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Youngstown employers.
Specialty Focus
Occupational Therapy Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the occupational therapy field in Youngstown command premium compensation, often reaching the $71,011–$89,815 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Youngstown metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced occupational therapy assistants who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured occupational therapy assistants in Youngstown with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Ohio who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Career & Wage Growth Path in Youngstown
Clinical Occupational Therapy Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Occupational Therapy Assistant
5-10 yearsOccupational Therapy Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedYoungstown ranks #2 of 67 Ohio cities for top earner occupational therapy assistant salary (90th percentile: $89,815).
Top 10% occupational therapy assistant compensation in Youngstown ($89,815) is 9.46% above the Ohio average P90 ($82,055).
2019 BLS Actual
$73,590
2025 BLS Actual
$87,360
2026 Current Est.
$89,815
2019–2027 Growth
+25.5%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Youngstown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $73,590 | Actual |
| 2020 | $74,690 | Actual |
| 2021 | $72,110 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,580 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,950 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,990 | Actual |
| 2025 | $87,360 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $89,815 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,339 | Projected |
Top-earning occupational therapy assistants (90th percentile) in Youngstown saw their compensation grow 18.7% from $73,590 in 2019 to $87,360 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.81% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $92,339 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Youngstown 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.
Maximizing Your Occupational Therapy Assistant Earnings in Youngstown
The path to superior compensation often involves acquiring specialized skills in areas such as pediatrics, geriatrics, and mental health, which can command premium salaries in Youngstown. Compensation varies significantly by employer type; those working in skilled nursing facilities or inpatient rehabilitation typically earn more compared to those in outpatient clinics or school districts. Leadership roles, such as becoming a lead occupational therapy assistant or a regional clinical educator, further enhance earning potential. Gaining advanced credentials like a COTA designation through the NBCOT, along with a state OTA license, equips professionals with a competitive edge in the job market. With recent Medicare reimbursement cuts affecting pay, particularly in SNF and outpatient settings, experienced occupational therapy assistants can strategically navigate these changes to optimize their career trajectories and salary outcomes in 2026 and beyond.
More salary data for Youngstown, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced occupational therapy assistants make in Youngstown in 2026?
What drives higher occupational therapy assistant pay in Youngstown?
What certifications boost occupational therapy assistant salary in Youngstown?
Can experienced occupational therapy assistants make six figures in Youngstown?
How much does occupational therapy assistant salary increase over time in Youngstown?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $87,360 for occupational therapy assistants in the Youngstown metro area. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
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