Average Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
Occupational Therapy Assistants in the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI area earn an average annual salary of $63,680. This figure is slightly below the national average of $69,310, a common occurrence in regions with specific economic drivers and workforce concentrations. Local demand and the overall economic landscape of the Grand Rapids metropolitan area play a significant role in shaping compensation for this vital healthcare role.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $63,680 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $77,050.
- Outlook: The Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood area demonstrates a notable concentration of Occupational Therapy Assistant roles, with a Location Quotient of 2.14, indicating a workforce more than twice as concentrated as the national average. With 0.665 jobs per 1,000 workers and a local workforce of 370 professionals, the demand appears robust and suggests a stable job market for skilled OT Assistants.
Salary Overview
The average Occupational Therapy Assistants in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI earns-8.1%below the national average.
$30.6
$1,225
$5,307
Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact role in Grand Rapids is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries for healthcare professionals over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Factors such as increasing healthcare needs, evolving treatment methodologies, and a growing emphasis on rehabilitative services likely contribute to sustained or increased earning potential for Occupational Therapy Assistants.
Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary Distribution in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
Salary progression for Occupational Therapy Assistants typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career progression, rewarding accumulated expertise and a proven track record in patient care and therapeutic support.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $50,240 | $24.2 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $47,760 | $23 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $65,370 | $31.4 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $79,600 | $38.3 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $77,050 | $37 |
Detailed Occupational Therapy Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$63,680
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$63,680
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $63,680 in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary holds its purchasing power directly against the national average, offering a stable financial environment for Occupational Therapy Assistants without the immediate pressure of higher or lower living expenses.
Job Market Context
370
Total Jobs
0.665
Per 1K Jobs
2.14
Location Quotient
Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI has 2.1x the national concentration of Occupational Therapy Assistants jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 2.14 for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood signifies a highly concentrated job market. This suggests that the region has a significantly larger proportion of OT Assistants relative to the national average, indicating a strong local demand and a potentially competitive environment for new entrants, but also a wealth of opportunities for experienced professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Hiring Occupational Therapy Assistantss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistants make in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI?
The median annual salary for a Occupational Therapy Assistants in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is $63,680. This typically ranges from $50,240 for entry-level positions to $77,050 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is 8.1% lower than the national median of $69,310.
Is Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI a lucrative place for Occupational Therapy Assistants?
Yes, with a stable cost of living.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable. The high concentration of roles (LQ 2.14) indicates strong local demand.
Is Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI a good place to live for Occupational Therapy Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
How does the Grand Rapids salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Grand Rapids is $63,680, which is below the national average of $69,310.
What is the Cost of Living in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI?
The Cost of Living Index for Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is 100, which is exactly the national average.
How concentrated are Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in this area?
The area has a high concentration of Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs, with a Location Quotient of 2.14, meaning it's more than double the national average concentration.
What is the total number of Occupational Therapy Assistants in the Grand Rapids area?
There are approximately 370 Occupational Therapy Assistants employed in the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 370 employees in the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI area with a job density of 0.665 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Occupational Therapy Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI