Carson City vs Las Vegas: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Carson City, NV and Las Vegas, NV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Carson City, NV | Las Vegas, NV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $71,206 | $81,755▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $34.24 | $39.30▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,037 | $67,032▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $61,238 | $75,648▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $78,082 | $82,731▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $88,097 | $100,702▲ |
| Total Employed | 14 | 170▲ |
Verdict
Las Vegas, NV offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Carson City.
The salary gap between Carson City and Las Vegas is $10,549 (14.81%). Las Vegas's median is +9.99% compared to the US national median of $74,332.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Carson City spans $36,060,Las Vegas spans $33,670. Carson City has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Las Vegas ($81,580 effective) pays 12.62% more than Carson City ($72,437 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Carson City if…
- ✓You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle
Choose Las Vegas if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($81,755/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($100,702)
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $81,580)
- ✓You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Carson City grew -9.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 9.5% growth in Las Vegas over the same period.
Carson City, NV
$76,636 (2024) → $69,260 (2025)
Las Vegas, NV
$72,640 (2019) → $79,520 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Carson City, NV
Las Vegas, NV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Carson City or Las Vegas?
What is the hourly rate difference between Carson City and Las Vegas?
Should I relocate from Carson City to Las Vegas as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Carson City vs Las Vegas?
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