Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Nogales, AZ: $33.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Nogales, AZ runs $33.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,970 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Nogales's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,379 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Nogales, Arizona, the projected median occupational therapy assistant hourly pay stands at $33.16. This figure highlights a slight dip compared to the national median of $35.74 per hour, indicating localized pay scales that can impact job attractiveness. For those considering part-time work, such as a three-day workweek, this translates to an annual carry-home that can be appealing in various settings including skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, and outpatient clinics. For per-diem workers, the field can offer flexibility, with hourly payments ranging from approximately $23.92 for entry-level positions to $37.59 for top earners. It’s essential to note that these hourly rates have been estimated from annual salary data, giving a snapshot of the earning potential available in Nogales.
About the Nogales 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) | $23.92 | $191.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.14 | $241.15 |
| Median (P50) | $33.16 | $265.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.73 | $277.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.59 | $300.70 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Nogales
Based on $33.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.16/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Nogales, AZ can expect to earn approximately $68,965 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,787. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Nogales.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Nogales
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,326.25 | $5,747 | $68,965 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $795.75 | $3,448 | $41,379 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $530.50 | $2,299 | $27,586 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Nogales) | $33.16 |
| 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 Nogales, AZ earn a median of $68,970 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.21% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 5.80% below the Arizona state average of $73,217.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.16/hr = $41,379/year (purchasing power: $42,009).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,965/year (purchasing power: $70,015).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.44/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.25/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Nogales (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.44/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.66/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.89/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.23/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.25/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.09/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Nogales grew 17.5% from $27.44/hr (2019) to $32.25/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.09/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 Nogales 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 Nogales
Looking deeper into the financial realities for part-time occupational therapy assistants in Nogales, those working a three-day week—approximately 24 hours—might earn around $40,000 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. However, for per diem COTAs, who typically charge between $30 and $45 per hour, income can fluctuate based on demand and contract specifics. Traveling COTAs often secure contracts offering weekly earnings from $1,100 to $1,700, yet with the 15% Medicare cut impacting agency pay in skilled nursing facilities post-2022, the financial picture does shift. Employer types also influence earnings, with skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehab often offering different pay scales than school districts or home health agencies. While some may opt for lower hourly wages with benefits, others may prefer the higher rates without health insurance. For those engaging in negotiations, clearly understanding these variances can make a significant difference in securing an optimal hourly rate, ensuring a thriving career in occupational therapy in Nogales, AZ.
More salary data for Nogales, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Nogales in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Nogales?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Nogales paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Nogales?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Nogales?
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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 Nogales. 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 Nogales 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