Boulder vs Colorado Springs: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Boulder, CO and Colorado Springs, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boulder, CO | Colorado Springs, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $87,245▲ | $76,799 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.95▲ | $36.93 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,127▲ | $63,516 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,431▲ | $64,410 |
| 75th Percentile | $92,478▲ | $86,402 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $92,478 | $107,837▲ |
| Total Employed | 50 | 140▲ |
Verdict
Boulder and Colorado Springs are closely matched on overall occupational therapy assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Boulder and Colorado Springs is $10,446 (13.60%). Boulder's median is +17.37% compared to the US national median of $74,332.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boulder spans $22,351,Colorado Springs spans $44,321. Colorado Springs has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapy assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Boulder ($82,931 effective) pays 8.75% more than Colorado Springs ($76,260 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boulder if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($87,245/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $82,931)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Colorado Springs if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($107,837)
- ✓Larger job market (140 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Boulder grew 30.6% from 2022 to 2025, compared to 35.3% growth in Colorado Springs over the same period.
Boulder, CO
$64,980 (2022) → $84,860 (2025)
Colorado Springs, CO
$55,230 (2019) → $74,700 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boulder, CO
Colorado Springs, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Boulder or Colorado Springs?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boulder and Colorado Springs?
Should I relocate from Boulder to Colorado Springs as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Boulder vs Colorado Springs?
Related Comparisons
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.81% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
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