Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Chandler, AZ: $37.86 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Chandler, AZ runs $37.86 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,766 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Chandler's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $38.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,255 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Chandler, AZ, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $37.86, which is notably higher than the national median of $35.74. This competitive rate allows part-time COTAs and per-diem workers to thrive in various settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, and outpatient clinics. For those working three days a week, the flexibility of hourly wages means that a well-structured schedule can translate into solid weekly earnings. The hourly pay range in Chandler extends from $24.78 for entry-level positions to as much as $48.36 for experienced professionals, reflecting the diverse opportunities available in this growing field. These estimates are derived from annual salary data, indicating the potential financial stability that comes with being an occupational therapy assistant in the area.
About the Chandler Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.78 | $198.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.57 | $244.52 |
| Median (P50) | $37.86 | $302.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.18 | $337.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.36 | $386.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chandler
Based on $37.86/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.86/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chandler, AZ can expect to earn approximately $78,759 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,438. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Chandler.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chandler
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,514.60 | $6,563 | $78,759 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $908.76 | $3,938 | $47,255 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $605.84 | $2,625 | $31,504 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Chandler) | $37.86 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Chandler, AZ earn a median of $78,766 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.97% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 7.60% above the Arizona state average of $73,202.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.86/hr = $47,255/year (purchasing power: $47,975).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,759/year (purchasing power: $79,958).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.33/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.83/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.86/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Chandler (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.33/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.06/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.73/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.14/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.83/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.86/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.93/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Chandler grew 17.5% from $31.33/hr (2019) to $36.83/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.93/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapy assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chandler 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.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapy Assistant in Chandler
The part-time earning potential for an occupational therapy assistant can be quite favorable, particularly for those who work 24 hours a week over three days. This setup allows them to generate a respectable income without the commitment of full-time hours. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Chandler typically falls within the range of $30 to $45 per hour, offering flexibility and competitive earnings. However, following the reimbursement cuts that took place in 2022, the premium pay for COTAs working in skilled nursing facilities has decreased, which can impact overall income for some individuals in that sector. Different types of employers, such as early intervention programs or school districts, also vary in their hourly compensation rates, with some positions trading off higher pay for health benefits. Negotiation is essential in this market; COTAs should be prepared to discuss their hourly pay effectively, especially in a competitive job landscape influenced by Medicare cuts and the well-established guidelines set by AOTA and NBCOT.
More salary data for Chandler, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Chandler in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Chandler?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Chandler paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Chandler?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Chandler?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapy assistants in Chandler. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Chandler 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