Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Peoria, AZ: $35.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Peoria, AZ runs $35.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $74,828 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Peoria's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,895 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those considering a career as an occupational therapy assistant in Peoria, AZ, the projected median hourly pay in 2026 is $35.97. This figure is slightly above the national median hourly rate of $35.74, indicating a competitive local market for COTAs. The typical work settings for occupational therapy assistants include skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and hospitals, where part-time roles, such as those working three days a week, can effectively maximize income without requiring full-time commitment. Additionally, hourly rates for entry-level positions range from approximately $24.51 to elite roles that can earn up to $47.32 per hour, reflecting both experience and the complexity of the work environment.
About the Peoria 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) | $24.51 | $196.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.67 | $237.37 |
| Median (P50) | $35.97 | $287.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.91 | $311.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.32 | $378.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Peoria
Based on $35.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.97/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Peoria, AZ can expect to earn approximately $74,824 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,168. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Peoria.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Peoria
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,438.93 | $6,235 | $74,824 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $863.36 | $3,741 | $44,895 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $575.57 | $2,494 | $29,930 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Peoria) | $35.97 |
| 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 Peoria, AZ earn a median of $74,828 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.67% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 2.20% above the Arizona state average of $73,217.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.97/hr = $44,895/year (purchasing power: $45,578).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $74,824/year (purchasing power: $75,964).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.77/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.97/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Peoria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.77/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.43/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.98/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Peoria grew 17.5% from $29.77/hr (2019) to $34.99/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.98/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 Peoria 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 Peoria
When analyzing part-time earnings, a COTA working 24 hours per week could expect to take home around $44,917 annually, while those employed full-time can surpass $74,828. The per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Peoria can fluctuate widely, with COTAs commonly billing between $30 and $45 per hour. However, travel contracts can yield significantly higher weekly earnings, often ranging from $1,100 to $1,700, reflecting the current demand and specific agency policies. It's crucial to understand the trade-offs; some assistants opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others may prioritize higher hourly rates that come with the uncertainty of being without benefits. For those navigating negotiations, articulating experience and any specialized skills can enhance their value in the eyes of potential employers across the diverse settings in Peoria.
More salary data for Peoria, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Peoria in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Peoria?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Peoria paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Peoria?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Peoria?
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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 Peoria. 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 Peoria 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