Occupational Therapy Assistant salary in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
Occupational Therapy Assistants in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI metro area earn a median of $60,900 a year ($29.28 an hour), based on BLS data for 470 workers.
Pay ranges from $52,270 for the lowest-paid 10% to $89,510 for the top 10%. That is 16% lower than the national median of $72,300. Pay here is 4% lower than the Michigan statewide median of $63,260. There are 0.25 occupational therapy assistants per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.75). The average (mean) salary is $67,100, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for occupational therapy assistants in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $52,270 | $25.13 |
| 25th percentile | $59,180 | $28.45 |
| Median | $60,900 | $29.28 |
| 75th percentile | $76,780 | $36.91 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $89,510 | $43.04 |
| Average (mean) | $67,100 | $32.26 |
Half of occupational therapy assistants earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $5,075 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,537.50 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,342.31 |
| Weekly | $1,171.15 |
| Hourly | $29.28 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $60,900 salary, see how much house you can afford in Michigan at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Occupational Therapy Assistant salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI | $67,290 | 370 |
| Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI | $62,210 | 40 |
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI | $61,700 | 50 |
| Flint, MI | $60,040 | 40 |
Highest-paying states for occupational therapy assistants
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Maryland | $82,010 |
| California | $81,770 |
| Texas | $81,500 |
| Nevada | $79,510 |
| Arkansas | $78,940 |
| Delaware | $78,640 |
| Washington | $77,590 |
| New Mexico | $77,020 |
| Oregon | $76,850 |
| Georgia | $75,920 |
See Occupational Therapy Assistant pay in every state or the Michigan statewide figures.
Related jobs in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant | $62,220 | $29.92 |
| Physical Therapist Aide | $28,570 | $13.74 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $35,120 | $16.89 |
| Nursing Assistant | $39,900 | $19.18 |
| Medical Assistant | $39,410 | $18.95 |
| Dental Assistant | $50,110 | $24.09 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | $38,830 | $18.67 |
| Massage Therapist | $70,960 | $34.11 |
| Phlebotomist | $43,180 | $20.76 |
| Healthcare Support Workers, All Other | $39,550 | $19.01 |
| Medical Equipment Preparer | $45,570 | $21.91 |
| Orderly | $36,220 | $17.42 |
| Psychiatric Aide | $45,410 | $21.83 |
| Medical Transcriptionist | $37,170 | $17.87 |
More: Healthcare Support Occupations · all salaries in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 31-2011. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a occupational therapy assistant make in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI?
The median salary for occupational therapy assistants in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI metro area is $60,900 a year, or $29.28 an hour. Pay ranges from $52,270 for the lowest-paid 10% to $89,510 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid occupational therapy assistants make in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI?
The top 10% of occupational therapy assistants in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI metro area earn at least $89,510 a year. The top 25% earn $76,780 or more.
What is the starting pay for occupational therapy assistants in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $52,270 a year, and a quarter of occupational therapy assistants earn $59,180 or less.
How many occupational therapy assistants work in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI?
About 470 occupational therapy assistants are employed in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI metro area, not counting the self-employed.