Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Goodyear, AZ: $35.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Goodyear, AZ runs $35.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $72,946 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Goodyear's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.60 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,765 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Goodyear, Arizona, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected at $35.07 for 2026, slightly below the national hourly median of $35.74. This rate allows for a comfortable part-time income, especially for those working three days a week in settings like skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, or home health visits, providing a steady paycheck while balancing work with personal commitments. The hourly earnings can vary significantly with experience and specialization; entry-level positions may start around $23.91, whereas top earners can command up to $44.93. It’s important to remember that these figures are derived from annual salary data and reflect the financial landscape for COTAs in Goodyear.
About the Goodyear 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) | $23.91 | $191.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.98 | $231.86 |
| Median (P50) | $35.07 | $280.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.05 | $304.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.93 | $359.42 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Goodyear
Based on $35.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.07/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Goodyear, AZ can expect to earn approximately $72,942 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,082. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Goodyear.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Goodyear
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,402.74 | $6,079 | $72,942 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $841.64 | $3,647 | $43,765 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $561.10 | $2,431 | $29,177 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Goodyear) | $35.07 |
| 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 Goodyear, AZ earn a median of $72,946 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.86% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 0.40% below the Arizona state average of $73,239.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.07/hr = $43,765/year (purchasing power: $44,432).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $72,942/year (purchasing power: $74,053).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.02/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.11/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.07/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Goodyear (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.02/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.69/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.12/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.31/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.03/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.11/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Goodyear grew 17.5% from $29.02/hr (2019) to $34.11/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.05/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 Goodyear 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 Goodyear
When considering part-time work, a COTA clocking in 24 hours per week could see an annual take-home of around $43,704, much less than full-time peers. On the flip side, per diem opportunities in Goodyear’s healthcare settings project hourly rates ranging from $30 to $45, and travel COTA positions can yield substantial earnings of $1,100 to $1,700 per week. Variability in rates often correlates with employer types, as skilled nursing facilities or outpatient clinics may offer lower hourly pay compared to more flexible role such as agency or locum positions, where many workers opt for higher pay without benefits. This raises the question for professionals about whether to pursue more guaranteed hours with benefits or higher hourly compensation without the safety net. Negotiating a favorable rate in Goodyear often hinges on an understanding of these dynamics, alongside demonstrating unique skills or certifications that can justify a higher wage in a competitive market.
More salary data for Goodyear, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Goodyear in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Goodyear?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Goodyear paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Goodyear?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Goodyear?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Arizona
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 Goodyear. 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 Goodyear 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