Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Steamboat Springs, CO: $52,456 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Steamboat Springs, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $52,456 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Steamboat Springs's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,958 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($72,419) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Considering an entry-level position as an occupational therapy assistant in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, prospective COTAs can expect a starting salary around $52,456 in 2026. This figure represents the lower end of the spectrum for this career path, which spans up to a median annual salary of $72,419 for all experience levels in the city. New graduates entering the field have a promising trajectory, as salaries can progress realistically over the next few years. For instance, as they gain experience, they could move towards the 25th percentile earnings of $65,923 within a few years, demonstrating that Steamboat Springs currently offers a competitive market for new job seekers in this profession.
About the Steamboat Springs Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Steamboat Springs
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Steamboat Springs
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Steamboat Springs, CO typically start between $52,456 and $65,923 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $34,151 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $72,419 — 2.57% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Colorado of $22,000 represents just 41.94% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($52,456/year) in Steamboat Springs. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACOTE-accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant associate degree programs. Tuition varies between community college and private technical school settings.
OTA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Steamboat Springs
- 1Research the Steamboat Springs market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $52,456 to $65,923, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the occupational therapy field — employers in CO often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Steamboat Springs, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Steamboat Springs for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Steamboat Springs's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Compensation Range
The occupational therapy assistant wage spread in Steamboat Springs is $34,151 ( 65.10%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $52,456, experienced hygienists can earn up to $86,607.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$41,351
2025 BLS Actual
$51,022
2026 Current Est.
$52,456
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Steamboat Springs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,351 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,788 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,385 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,504 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,228 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,188 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,022 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,456 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,930 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Steamboat Springs, CO grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $41,351 in 2019 to $51,022 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $53,930. New graduates entering the Steamboat Springs job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Steamboat Springs metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.81% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your occupational therapy Career in Steamboat Springs
In Steamboat Springs, various employers are on the lookout for new graduates, particularly skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), which tend to hire entry-level COTAs more frequently. School districts are another viable option for new grads, often providing flexible summer schedules. While outpatient clinics typically prefer experienced COTAs, they do offer training opportunities in areas like pediatric or hand therapy for fresh graduates. To enhance earning potential, obtaining credentials like an associate's degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, passing the NBCOT national exam, and securing a state OTA license are essential. Given the current challenges in the industry, including the 15% Medicare Part B cut affecting OTA services since 2022, beginning practitioners might find salary growth slower initially. However, with experience, their prospects for upward mobility increase as they navigate the initial stages of their careers in this field.
More salary data for Steamboat Springs, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapy assistants in Steamboat Springs in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapy assistant salaries grow in Steamboat Springs?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Steamboat Springs?
What do new occupational therapy assistants make right out of school in Steamboat Springs?
How do I become a occupational therapy assistant in Colorado?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new occupational therapy graduates. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Steamboat Springs. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Steamboat Springs is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.81%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapy assistants (SOC 31-2011).
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