Senior Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Ogden, UT: $74,897 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of occupational therapy assistants working in Ogden, UT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $74,897/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2011. Strip back Ogden's price premium (BEA RPP 100.3, 0% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $74,637 in average-cost America. The 14% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Ogden, an experienced occupational therapy assistant can anticipate a robust earning potential, particularly those at the forefront of the field. The projected top-tier salary of $74,897 stands in contrast to the overall median compensation of $65,850, illustrating a substantial experience premium that rewards advanced skills and expertise. Those aiming for this elite pay bracket often find themselves specializing in critical areas such as mental health, geriatric care, or pediatric therapy. In comparison to the national median of $74,332, the top occupational therapy assistant salary in Ogden offers a competitive edge, particularly when local living costs are factored in. Professionals in this area are uniquely positioned to capitalize on their experience to achieve superior financial recognition in their careers.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ogden
Experienced occupational therapy assistants at the top of the pay scale in Ogden earn between $73,890 and $74,897 per year (2026 est.). This $31,007 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Ogden median of $65,850 sits 11.41% below the US median.
Top OTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Ogden | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $65,850 | $74,332 |
| 75th Percentile | $73,890 | $81,384 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $74,897 | $92,303 |
In Ogden, experienced occupational therapy assistants (P90) earn 13.74% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay in Ogden
Advanced Certifications in Utah
UT occupational therapy assistants with additional specialty certifications within the occupational therapy field earn significantly above the $65,850 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Ogden employers.
Specialty Focus
Occupational Therapy Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the occupational therapy field in Ogden command premium compensation, often reaching the $73,890–$74,897 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Ogden 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 Ogden 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 Utah 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 Ogden
Clinical Occupational Therapy Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Occupational Therapy Assistant
5-10 yearsOccupational Therapy Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedOgden ranks #41 of 41 Utah cities for top earner occupational therapy assistant salary (90th percentile: $74,897).
Top 10% occupational therapy assistant compensation in Ogden ($74,897) is 16.48% below the Utah average P90 ($89,676).
2019 BLS Actual
$93,410
2025 BLS Actual
$72,850
2026 Current Est.
$74,897
2019–2027 Growth
+-17.6%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Ogden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $93,410 | Actual |
| 2020 | $91,090 | Actual |
| 2021 | $79,970 | Actual |
| 2022 | $78,520 | Actual |
| 2023 | $85,220 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,910 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,850 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,897 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,002 | Projected |
Top-earning occupational therapy assistants (90th percentile) in Ogden saw their compensation grow -22.0% from $93,410 in 2019 to $72,850 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 $77,002 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ogden 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 Ogden
In assessing senior occupational therapy assistant pay in UT, one finds that specialized qualifications and various employer types significantly impact compensation in Ogden. Skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehab settings tend to offer higher salaries, while school district contracts and outpatient clinics may vary, often reflecting budget constraints and regulatory changes such as the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut. Additionally, advanced credentials, including an Associate's degree from an ACOTE-accredited program and the COTA certification from the NBCOT, can enhance earning potential. Career advancement opportunities also exist for those looking to move into leadership roles, such as clinic operations coordinators or regional clinical educators, further widening the gap between entry-level and experienced professionals. Furthermore, non-salary benefits, such as productivity expectations and contract term flexibility, often add layers of value to the compensation package for senior occupational therapy assistants in Ogden.
More salary data for Ogden, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced occupational therapy assistants make in Ogden in 2026?
What drives higher occupational therapy assistant pay in Ogden?
What certifications boost occupational therapy assistant salary in Ogden?
Can experienced occupational therapy assistants make six figures in Ogden?
How much does occupational therapy assistant salary increase over time in Ogden?
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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 $72,850 for occupational therapy assistants in the Ogden 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