Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Glendale, AZ: $36.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Glendale, AZ runs $36.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $76,889 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Glendale's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $37.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,139 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Glendale, Arizona, can expect a median hourly pay of $36.97, which is slightly above the national median hourly rate of $35.74. This competitive rate can be particularly enticing for those interested in part-time work, as assistants typically supporting three days a week might earn significant supplemental income. In terms of employment settings, COTAs are often found in skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and even in home health environments. The hourly pay can vary widely, from $24.75 for entry-level positions to about $46.87 for experienced top earners, giving a clear picture of the pay spectrum for occupational therapy assistant hourly pay in Glendale.
About the Glendale 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) | $24.75 | $197.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.38 | $243.04 |
| Median (P50) | $36.97 | $295.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.87 | $326.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.87 | $374.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Glendale
Based on $36.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.97/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Glendale, AZ can expect to earn approximately $76,899 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,365. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Glendale.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Glendale
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,478.82 | $6,408 | $76,899 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $887.29 | $3,845 | $46,139 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $591.53 | $2,563 | $30,759 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Glendale) | $36.97 |
| 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 Glendale, AZ earn a median of $76,889 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.44% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 5.00% above the Arizona state average of $73,227.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.97/hr = $46,139/year (purchasing power: $46,842).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $76,899/year (purchasing power: $78,070).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.59/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.97/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Glendale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.59/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.01/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Glendale grew 17.5% from $30.59/hr (2019) to $35.96/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.01/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 Glendale 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 Glendale
For those considering part-time employment, working as a COTA three days a week (approximately 24 hours) could lead to an income that still supports a comfortable lifestyle, albeit below full-time earnings. Many occupational therapy assistants also explore per diem roles, where hourly pay can fluctuate, commonly ranging from $30 to $45, depending on urgency and demand. Notably, hospital environments may offer higher wages, but the declining premium pay for SNF agency contracts since the 15% Medicare cut also influences earnings. It's essential for assistants to consider the trade-offs between higher hourly rates without benefits versus more stable positions with lower hourly rates, which may include health insurance. Negotiation strategies can also play a role, with assistants encouraged to understand regional averages and demand to secure competitive offers in Glendale's evolving job market.
More salary data for Glendale, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Glendale in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Glendale?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Glendale paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Glendale?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Glendale?
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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 Glendale. 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 Glendale 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