Average Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary in West Virginia
Occupational Therapy Assistants in West Virginia earn an average annual salary of $62,650. This figure is notably below the national average of $69,310, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand within the state. While the nominal salary may be lower, the overall financial picture is influenced by the cost of living.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $62,650 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 4.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $77,240.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 260 Occupational Therapy Assistants, West Virginia presents a concentrated, albeit smaller, job market. The Location Quotient of 1.18 suggests a slightly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average, indicating a stable demand for their services within the state's healthcare sector.
Salary Overview
The average Occupational Therapy Assistants in West Virginia earns-9.6%below the national average.
$30.1
$1,205
$5,221
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 West Virginia have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends in healthcare compensation. This growth is likely driven by increasing demand for rehabilitative services and a general rise in healthcare costs.
Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary Distribution in West Virginia
Salary progression for Occupational Therapy Assistants in West Virginia typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with several years of experience can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting their accumulated skills and expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $50,540 | $24.3 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $46,988 | $22.6 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $61,320 | $29.5 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $78,313 | $37.7 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $77,240 | $37.1 |
Detailed Occupational Therapy Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$62,650
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$70,791
Adjusted for COL (88.5)
The average annual salary of $62,650 in West Virginia is significantly enhanced by the state's cost of living index of 88.5, which is below the national average of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an Occupational Therapy Assistant's salary in West Virginia is greater than the nominal figure suggests, making the effective income higher.
Job Market Context
260
Total Jobs
0.368
Per 1K Jobs
1.18
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.18, West Virginia has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Occupational Therapy Assistants roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.18 indicates that West Virginia has a slightly higher concentration of Occupational Therapy Assistants relative to its overall workforce compared to the national average. This suggests a moderately competitive market where demand is present and potentially growing, offering opportunities for skilled professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Occupational Therapy Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charleston, WV Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary | $64,920↑ 4% | 38 mi |
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary | $64,890↑ 4% | 80 mi |
Comparing salaries near West Virginia
Hiring Occupational Therapy Assistantss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistants make in West Virginia?
The median annual salary for a Occupational Therapy Assistants in West Virginia is $62,650. This typically ranges from $50,540 for entry-level positions to $77,240 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in West Virginia is 9.6% lower than the national median of $69,310.
Is West Virginia a lucrative place for Occupational Therapy Assistants?
Yes, considering the cost of living.While the average salary of $62,650 is below the national average, West Virginia's cost of living index of 88.5 makes the effective purchasing power of this salary higher than in many other states.
Is West Virginia a good place to live for Occupational Therapy Assistants?
With a Cost of Living Index of 88.5 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near West Virginia?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charleston, WV ($64,920) and Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH.
How does the West Virginia salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Occupational Therapy Assistants in West Virginia is $62,650, which is approximately $6,660 less than the national average of $69,310.
What is the concentration of Occupational Therapy Assistants in West Virginia?
West Virginia has a Location Quotient of 1.18, meaning there is a 18% higher concentration of Occupational Therapy Assistants compared to the national average.
How many Occupational Therapy Assistants are there in West Virginia?
The total local workforce for Occupational Therapy Assistants in West Virginia is approximately 260 individuals.
How does experience affect an Occupational Therapy Assistant's salary in West Virginia?
As with most professions, experience significantly impacts salary. Entry-level Occupational Therapy Assistants will earn less, while those with extensive experience and specialized skills can expect to earn substantially more, moving into higher salary percentiles.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 260 employees in the West Virginia area with a job density of 0.368 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 West Virginia