Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Phoenix, AZ: $37.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Phoenix, AZ runs $37.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,218 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Phoenix's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.3, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,935 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Phoenix, AZ, can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $37.61, which is notably higher than the national median of $35.74. This competitive rate not only reflects the growing demand for COTAs in various therapeutic settings, such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, schools, and outpatient clinics, but also indicates the potential financial benefits for both part-time and per-diem workers in the field. For those working three days a week, the consistent hourly pay allows for steady income, while per-diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Phoenix can vary, offering rates between $31.29 and $46.08, depending on experience and setting. The official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data highlights that even entry-level therapists can find rewarding opportunities, while seasoned professionals can achieve higher rates reflecting their expertise and specialization.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.29 | $250.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.52 | $252.17 |
| Median (P50) | $37.61 | $300.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.32 | $314.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.08 | $368.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Phoenix
Based on $37.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.61/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Phoenix, AZ can expect to earn approximately $78,224 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,129. With a cost-of-living index of 103.32 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Phoenix.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Phoenix
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,504.32 | $6,519 | $78,224 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $902.59 | $3,911 | $46,935 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $601.73 | $2,607 | $31,290 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Phoenix) | $37.61 |
| 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 Phoenix, AZ earn a median of $78,218 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.23% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 6.80% above the Arizona state average of $73,238.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.61/hr = $46,935/year (purchasing power: $45,428).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,224/year (purchasing power: $75,714).
CoL index: 103.316 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$32.31/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.58/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.61/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+19.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Phoenix (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.31/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.53/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.23/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.58/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.61/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.66/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Phoenix grew 13.2% from $32.31/hr (2019) to $36.58/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.66/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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix
In terms of actual take-home pay, a part-time occupational therapy assistant working 24 hours a week could still earn a reasonable income annually, typically less than a full-time counterpart but manageable for those balancing other commitments. Per-diem positions often require flexibility, with pay averaging between $30 and $45 per hour, especially in high-demand settings that offer travel contracts ranging from $1,100 to $1,700 per week. Many COTAs opt for roles in skilled nursing facilities or outpatient clinics where hourly rates can differ significantly; those willing to forgo benefits might pursue higher wages in agency roles, while those preferring stability may seek employment with benefits. For those negotiating their hourly compensation in Phoenix, highlighting relevant certifications from AOTA and NBCOT can enhance leverage, especially in light of the recent 15% Medicare cut affecting OTA services. Understanding the nuances of employer types and their respective compensation packages can guide COTAs in securing positions that align both with their financial goals and professional aspirations.
More salary data for Phoenix, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Phoenix in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Phoenix?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Phoenix paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Phoenix?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Phoenix?
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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 Phoenix. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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