Average Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary in North Carolina
Occupational Therapy Assistants in North Carolina earn an average annual salary of $69,440, a figure that slightly surpasses the national average of $69,310. This competitive compensation reflects the state's specific healthcare demands and the value placed on these essential allied health professionals within its communities.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $69,440 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $80,960.
- Outlook: North Carolina boasts a robust employment landscape for Occupational Therapy Assistants, with a total local workforce of 1,620 professionals. The location quotient of 1.07 indicates a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a steady and potentially growing demand for their services within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Occupational Therapy Assistants in North Carolina earns+0.2%above the national average.
$33.4
$1,335
$5,787
Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Occupational Therapy Assistants in North Carolina have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This upward trajectory is driven by increasing healthcare needs, an aging population, and the expanding scope of occupational therapy services.
Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary Distribution in North Carolina
Salary progression for Occupational Therapy Assistants in North Carolina typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with several years of experience can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting their accumulated skills, specialized knowledge, and proven effectiveness in patient care.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $57,780 | $27.8 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $52,080 | $25 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $70,940 | $34.1 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $86,800 | $41.7 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $80,960 | $38.9 |
Detailed Occupational Therapy Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$69,440
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$73,172
Adjusted for COL (94.9)
The average annual salary of $69,440 in North Carolina presents a favorable financial outlook, especially when considering the state's cost of living index of 94.9. This index is below the national average of 100, meaning that the purchasing power of an OTA's salary in North Carolina is likely greater than in many other parts of the country, allowing for a higher standard of living.
Job Market Context
1,620
Total Jobs
0.331
Per 1K Jobs
1.07
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.07, North Carolina has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Occupational Therapy Assistants roles compared to the national norm.
With a location quotient of 1.07, North Carolina shows a slightly higher concentration of Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs than the national average. This suggests a healthy job market where demand is at least on par with, if not slightly exceeding, the national distribution, indicating good opportunities for both new entrants and experienced professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Occupational Therapy Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary | $68,110↓ 2% | 32 mi |
| Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary | $73,020↑ 5% | 36 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary | $68,570↓ 1% | 41 mi |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary | $69,630↑ 0% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near North Carolina
Hiring Occupational Therapy Assistantss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistants make in North Carolina?
The median annual salary for a Occupational Therapy Assistants in North Carolina is $69,440. This typically ranges from $57,780 for entry-level positions to $80,960 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in North Carolina is 0.2% higher than the national median of $69,310.
Is North Carolina a lucrative place for Occupational Therapy Assistants?
Yes, North Carolina offers a financially advantageous environment for Occupational Therapy Assistants.The average salary slightly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is below the national benchmark, enhancing the real value of earnings.
Is North Carolina a good place to live for Occupational Therapy Assistants?
With a Cost of Living Index of 94.9 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near North Carolina?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greensboro-High Point, NC ($68,110) and Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC.
How does the OTA salary in NC compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Occupational Therapy Assistants in North Carolina is $69,440, which is marginally higher than the national average of $69,310.
What is the concentration of OTAs in North Carolina?
North Carolina has a location quotient of 1.07 for Occupational Therapy Assistants, indicating a slightly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect OTA salaries in North Carolina?
With a cost of living index of 94.9, which is below the national average, the $69,440 salary in North Carolina offers greater purchasing power than it might in higher-cost states.
What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers signify for OTAs in NC?
The figure of 0.331 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a consistent presence and demand for Occupational Therapy Assistants within the North Carolina workforce relative to its overall size.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,620 employees in the North Carolina area with a job density of 0.331 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 North Carolina