Senior Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Brookings, SD: $73,932 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of occupational therapy assistants working in Brookings, SD — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $73,932/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2011. Strip back Brookings's price premium (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $79,668 in average-cost America. The 16% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Brookings, South Dakota, the potential for experienced occupational therapy assistants to earn top-tier salaries is compelling, with 2026 projections indicating that the top earners can achieve an annual pay of $73,932. Senior professionals in this field, particularly those who have accrued over seven years of experience, can expect to capitalize on a significant pay gap, as the median salary sits at $63,728—highlighting a robust experience premium for those who reach the upper echelons of the salary range. To attain such high compensation, individuals often need to develop niche specializations, pursue advanced certifications, and actively seek roles in settings that traditionally offer higher pay, such as skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation centers.
About the Brookings Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brookings
Experienced occupational therapy assistants at the top of the pay scale in Brookings earn between $67,640 and $73,932 per year (2026 est.). This $24,552 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Brookings median of $63,728 sits 14.27% below the US median.
Top OTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Brookings | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $63,728 | $74,332 |
| 75th Percentile | $67,640 | $81,384 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $73,932 | $92,303 |
In Brookings, experienced occupational therapy assistants (P90) earn 16.01% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay in Brookings
Advanced Certifications in South Dakota
SD occupational therapy assistants with additional specialty certifications within the occupational therapy field earn significantly above the $63,728 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Brookings employers.
Specialty Focus
Occupational Therapy Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the occupational therapy field in Brookings command premium compensation, often reaching the $67,640–$73,932 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Brookings 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 Brookings 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 South Dakota 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 Brookings
Clinical Occupational Therapy Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Occupational Therapy Assistant
5-10 yearsOccupational Therapy Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBrookings ranks #9 of 11 South Dakota cities for top earner occupational therapy assistant salary (90th percentile: $73,932).
Top 10% occupational therapy assistant compensation in Brookings ($73,932) is 4.73% below the South Dakota average P90 ($77,606).
2019 BLS Actual
$65,848
2025 BLS Actual
$71,911
2026 Current Est.
$73,932
2019–2027 Growth
+15.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Brookings (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,848 | Actual |
| 2020 | $67,353 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,246 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,547 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,470 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,141 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,911 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,932 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,009 | Projected |
Top-earning occupational therapy assistants (90th percentile) in Brookings saw their compensation grow 9.2% from $65,848 in 2019 to $71,911 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 $76,009 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brookings 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 Brookings
Compensation for senior occupational therapy assistants in SD can vary markedly depending on their area of specialization, the type of employer, and additional certifications. Specializations like pediatric therapy, geriatrics, mental health, and hand therapy tend to command higher salaries, reflecting the complexity and demand for these skills within the community. In addition, seniors in outpatient clinics or home health agencies may see different earnings compared to those in school districts or skilled nursing facilities, which are subject to reimbursement cuts like the notable 15% decrease from Medicare for OTA-provided services. Career advancement opportunities also play a crucial role during this stage, with paths available such as lead OTA positions or clinic operations coordinators. Acquiring further credentials, like an NBCOT certification or engaging in a COTA-to-MOT bridge program, can also bolster earning potential in Brookings, SD.
More salary data for Brookings, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced occupational therapy assistants make in Brookings in 2026?
What drives higher occupational therapy assistant pay in Brookings?
What certifications boost occupational therapy assistant salary in Brookings?
Can experienced occupational therapy assistants make six figures in Brookings?
How much does occupational therapy assistant salary increase over time in Brookings?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in South Dakota
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 $71,911 for occupational therapy assistants in the Brookings 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
Salary data for Brookings 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