Casa Grande vs Tucson: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Casa Grande, AZ and Tucson, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Casa Grande, AZ | Tucson, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $71,316 | $73,489▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $34.29 | $35.34▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,981 | $51,415▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $59,731 | $63,321▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $78,271▲ | $76,593 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $87,982▲ | $82,454 |
| Total Employed | 12 | 160▲ |
Verdict
Tucson, AZ offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Casa Grande.
The salary gap between Casa Grande and Tucson is $2,173 (3.05%). Tucson's median is -1.13% compared to the US national median of $74,332.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Casa Grande spans $38,001,Tucson spans $31,039. Casa Grande 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, Tucson ($75,843 effective) pays 4.75% more than Casa Grande ($72,402 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Casa Grande if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($87,982)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Tucson if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($73,489/year)
- ✓Larger job market (160 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,843)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Casa Grande grew 3.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.4% growth in Tucson over the same period.
Casa Grande, AZ
$67,160 (2024) → $69,367 (2025)
Tucson, AZ
$60,860 (2019) → $71,480 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Casa Grande, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Casa Grande or Tucson?
What is the hourly rate difference between Casa Grande and Tucson?
Should I relocate from Casa Grande to Tucson as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Casa Grande vs Tucson?
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