Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Windsor, CO: $54,675 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Windsor, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $54,675 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Windsor's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $52,071 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($75,798) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates seeking entry-level positions as occupational therapy assistants in Windsor, Colorado can expect to start with a salary around $54,675. Although this initial pay may seem modest compared to the city's median salary of $75,798, it represents a solid foundation for early-career professionals. Over the first few years, salaries can rise as entry-level COTAs gain practical experience. Many individuals find they can reach approximately $64,628 within two to three years, ultimately progressing toward the median salary as they build their skills and credentials. Given Windsor's current market dynamics and the demand for occupational therapy services, it is an optimistic time for new graduates to enter the field, especially considering the projected annual growth rate of 2.81% for occupational therapy assistants over the next few years.
About the Windsor Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Windsor
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 Windsor
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Windsor, CO typically start between $54,675 and $64,628 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $36,490 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $75,798 — 1.97% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Colorado of $22,000 represents just 40.24% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($54,675/year) in Windsor. 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 Windsor
- 1Research the Windsor market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $54,675 to $64,628, 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 Windsor, 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 Windsor for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Windsor'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 Windsor is $36,490 ( 66.74%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $54,675, experienced hygienists can earn up to $91,165.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$43,100
2025 BLS Actual
$53,181
2026 Current Est.
$54,675
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Windsor (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,100 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,598 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,347 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,514 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,268 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,257 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,181 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,675 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,212 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Windsor, CO grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $43,100 in 2019 to $53,181 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $56,212. New graduates entering the Windsor job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Windsor 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 Windsor
In Windsor, several employers actively recruit newly graduated occupational therapy assistants. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) often provide the most opportunities for fresh graduates, offering robust training programs. School districts are also appealing, typically providing summer off-schedules that support a better work-life balance. While outpatient clinics may lean toward hiring experienced COTAs, they do occasionally onboard new graduates, particularly in areas like pediatric or hand therapy support. To enhance starting salaries in Colorado, candidates should focus on obtaining their COTA credential from the NBCOT and ensure they have the necessary state OTA license. Aiming for specialized certifications can benefit newcomers as they navigate their careers, especially given the 15% Medicare Part B cut for OTA services implemented in 2022, affecting reimbursement rates. Realistically, entry-level occupational therapy assistants can look forward to a steady growth trajectory in their salaries over the first few years, as gaining experience and building expertise becomes essential in this evolving market.
More salary data for Windsor, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapy assistants in Windsor in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapy assistant salaries grow in Windsor?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Windsor?
What do new occupational therapy assistants make right out of school in Windsor?
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 Windsor. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Windsor 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