Colorado Springs vs Wheat Ridge: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Colorado Springs, CO and Wheat Ridge, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Colorado Springs, CO | Wheat Ridge, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $76,799▲ | $73,896 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.93▲ | $35.53 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,516▲ | $56,599 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,410 | $65,210▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $86,402▲ | $80,470 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $107,837▲ | $89,772 |
| Total Employed | 140▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Colorado Springs, CO offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wheat Ridge.
The salary gap between Colorado Springs and Wheat Ridge is $2,903 (3.93%). Colorado Springs's median is +3.32% compared to the US national median of $74,332.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Colorado Springs spans $44,321,Wheat Ridge spans $33,173. Colorado Springs 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, Colorado Springs ($76,260 effective) pays 8.36% more than Wheat Ridge ($70,377 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Colorado Springs if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($76,799/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($107,837)
- ✓Larger job market (140 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,260)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Wheat Ridge if…
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Colorado Springs grew 35.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 4.6% growth in Wheat Ridge over the same period.
Colorado Springs, CO
$55,230 (2019) → $74,700 (2025)
Wheat Ridge, CO
$68,701 (2024) → $71,876 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Colorado Springs, CO
Wheat Ridge, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Colorado Springs or Wheat Ridge?
What is the hourly rate difference between Colorado Springs and Wheat Ridge?
Should I relocate from Colorado Springs to Wheat Ridge as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Colorado Springs vs Wheat Ridge?
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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