Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Surprise, AZ: $35.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Surprise, AZ runs $35.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $73,059 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Surprise's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.65 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,830 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Surprise, Arizona, the projected occupational therapy assistant hourly pay for 2026 is $35.12, placing it slightly below the national median of $35.74. This rate is significant for both part-time therapists and per-diem workers, especially in diverse settings like skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation hospitals, school environments, and outpatient clinics. Professionals in this field have a range of earnings; entry-level assistants may start around $25.36 per hour, while experienced workers can earn up to $44.58. Understanding this hourly pay structure helps aspiring COTAs and current students make informed decisions about their career paths, particularly in terms of job selection and scheduling flexibility.
About the Surprise 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) | $25.36 | $202.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.06 | $240.49 |
| Median (P50) | $35.12 | $280.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.06 | $312.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.58 | $356.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Surprise
Based on $35.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.12/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Surprise, AZ can expect to earn approximately $73,049 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,144. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Surprise.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Surprise
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,404.80 | $6,087 | $73,049 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $842.88 | $3,652 | $43,830 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $561.92 | $2,435 | $29,220 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Surprise) | $35.12 |
| 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 Surprise, AZ earn a median of $73,059 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.71% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 0.20% below the Arizona state average of $73,205.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.12/hr = $43,830/year (purchasing power: $44,497).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $73,049/year (purchasing power: $74,162).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.16/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Surprise (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.17/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.16/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.11/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Surprise grew 17.5% from $29.06/hr (2019) to $34.16/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.11/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 Surprise 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 Surprise
Focusing on part-time opportunities, an occupational therapy assistant working three days a week (roughly 24 hours) could take home approximately $43,648 annually, which offers a decent living in Surprise, right where the cost of living index stands below the national average. The per diem or agency model presents even more variability; occupational therapy assistants in Surprise may aim for hourly rates from $30 to $45, particularly for travel contracts that could earn $1,100 to $1,700 weekly. Employers, ranging from skilled nursing facilities to outpatient clinics, have unique pay scales influenced by factors like health benefits and job security. Some COTAs might opt for positions with lower hourly wages but with health insurance, while others may prioritize higher hourly rates without benefits. When negotiating, COTAs should consider local market trends and emphasize their qualifications; being aware of the ongoing impact of the 15% Medicare cut on reimbursement can help shape these discussions.
More salary data for Surprise, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Surprise in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Surprise?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Surprise paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Surprise?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Surprise?
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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 Surprise. 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 Surprise 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