Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Arvada, CO: $37.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Arvada, CO runs $37.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,637 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Arvada's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,178 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median hourly pay for an occupational therapy assistant in Arvada, Colorado, is projected to be $37.80, which is higher than the national median hourly rate of $35.74. This significant difference may be appealing to those considering part-time or per-diem positions within various settings, such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and in-home health visits. For part-time occupational therapy assistants working three days a week, the earning potential is promising, with hourly rates ranging from $27.75 at the lower end to $46.12 for the top earners in the community. These figures are reflective of estimated annual salaries, demonstrating a solid financial foundation for COTAs in the region.
About the Arvada Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.75 | $221.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.69 | $261.55 |
| Median (P50) | $37.80 | $302.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.93 | $327.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.12 | $368.96 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Arvada
Based on $37.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.80/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Arvada, CO can expect to earn approximately $78,631 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,364. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Arvada.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Arvada
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,512.13 | $6,553 | $78,631 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $907.28 | $3,932 | $47,178 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $604.85 | $2,621 | $31,452 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Arvada) | $37.80 |
| 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 Arvada, CO earn a median of $78,637 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.79% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 2.40% above the Colorado state average of $76,794.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.80/hr = $47,178/year (purchasing power: $44,932).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,631/year (purchasing power: $74,886).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.77/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.80/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Arvada (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.68/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.15/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.77/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Arvada grew 17.5% from $31.28/hr (2019) to $36.77/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.87/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 Arvada 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 Arvada
Evaluating part-time opportunities, an occupational therapy assistant working 24 hours weekly can expect to take home approximately $47,064 per year, a notable figure compared to full-time earners in the profession. For those looking into per-diem or agency positions, the flexibility of working as a per diem occupational therapy assistant in Arvada might involve billing rates between $30 and $45 an hour. Additionally, travel contracts for occupational therapy assistants may yield higher pay, ranging from $1,100 to $1,700 per week, although it’s vital to consider that post-2022, the reimbursement rate cuts impacting skilled nursing facilities have altered pay scales significantly. Hourly rates can also vary based on employer type, with outpatient clinics often providing different compensation than school district contracts or early intervention programs. COTAs must weigh the trade-off between lower hourly wages with benefits and higher rates without additional perks, adjusting their negotiation strategies accordingly. Fostering good communication skills while being informed about the local job market can aid in achieving fair compensation.
More salary data for Arvada, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Arvada in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Arvada?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Arvada paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Arvada?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Arvada?
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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 Arvada. 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 Arvada 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