Fort Collins vs Pueblo: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Fort Collins, CO and Pueblo, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Collins, CO | Pueblo, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $73,581▲ | $70,291 |
| Hourly Rate | $35.38▲ | $33.79 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,246▲ | $61,542 |
| 25th Percentile | $67,382▲ | $64,061 |
| 75th Percentile | $91,326▲ | $84,366 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,326 | $105,051▲ |
| Total Employed | N/A | 50 |
Verdict
Fort Collins and Pueblo are closely matched on overall occupational therapy assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Fort Collins and Pueblo is $3,290 (4.68%). Fort Collins's median is -1.01% compared to the US national median of $74,332.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Collins spans $27,080,Pueblo spans $43,509. Pueblo 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, Pueblo ($76,601 effective) pays 5.28% more than Fort Collins ($72,760 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Collins if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($73,581/year)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Pueblo if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($105,051)
- ✓Larger job market (50 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,601)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Fort Collins grew 11.7% from 2022 to 2025, compared to 29.1% growth in Pueblo over the same period.
Fort Collins, CO
$64,050 (2022) → $71,570 (2025)
Pueblo, CO
$52,950 (2019) → $68,370 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Collins, CO
Pueblo, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Fort Collins or Pueblo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Collins and Pueblo?
Should I relocate from Fort Collins to Pueblo as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Fort Collins vs Pueblo?
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