Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Queen Creek, AZ: $34.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Queen Creek, AZ runs $34.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $72,638 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Queen Creek's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.46 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,586 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Queen Creek, AZ, can expect a median hourly pay of $34.92, slightly lower than the national median of $35.74. This rate translates well for both part-time workers, who may function in various settings like skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and hospitals, and per-diem workers seeking flexible schedules. For example, a part-time COTA working three days a week can effectively earn a competitive hourly wage while gaining valuable experience in the field. Entry-level positions start around $23.69, while top earners can make up to $42.14 hourly. These figures are derived from projected annual salary data for 2026, showcasing the economic potential within this vital healthcare profession.
About the Queen Creek 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) | $23.69 | $189.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.78 | $246.25 |
| Median (P50) | $34.92 | $279.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.73 | $301.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.14 | $337.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Queen Creek
Based on $34.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.92/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Queen Creek, AZ can expect to earn approximately $72,643 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,909. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Queen Creek.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Queen Creek
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,396.98 | $6,054 | $72,643 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $838.19 | $3,632 | $43,586 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $558.79 | $2,421 | $29,057 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Queen Creek) | $34.92 |
| 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 Queen Creek, AZ earn a median of $72,638 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.28% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 0.80% below the Arizona state average of $73,224.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.92/hr = $43,586/year (purchasing power: $44,250).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $72,643/year (purchasing power: $73,749).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.90/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Queen Creek (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.90/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.57/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.48/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.91/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Queen Creek grew 17.5% from $28.90/hr (2019) to $33.97/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.91/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 Queen Creek 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 Queen Creek
Focusing on part-time earning potential, a 24-hour work week translates to approximately $54,359 annually, which, while lower than full-time salaries, still offers a solid income for many. For those in per-diem roles, occupational therapy assistant pay in Queen Creek typically ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, making it an appealing choice for flexible job seekers. Travel contracts can elevate that income further, with weekly pay reaching between $1,100 and $1,700. However, recent declines in premium pay for agency positions due to the 15% Medicare cut instituted in 2022 may impact salaries in skilled nursing facilities and outpatient therapy. It's essential for COTAs in Queen Creek to assess the benefits versus hourly rates carefully—some may prioritize slightly higher hourly pay without benefits, while others might choose lower rates for health insurance. Negotiating pay effectively can also hinge on understanding regional market trends and employer demands.
More salary data for Queen Creek, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Queen Creek in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Queen Creek?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Queen Creek paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Queen Creek?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Queen Creek?
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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 Queen Creek. 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 Queen Creek 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