Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Aurora, CO: $37.22 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Aurora, CO runs $37.22 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,406 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Aurora's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,447 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Aurora, Colorado, the hourly pay for occupational therapy assistants stands at a median of $37.22, notably higher than the national median of $35.74. This hourly rate provides a solid foundation for those working part-time or in per-diem roles across various settings, such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, outpatient clinics, school therapy rooms, and even home health visits. With a broad hourly range from $25.54 for entry-level positions to $47.85 for top earners, this profession offers diverse opportunities. It's essential to consider that these hourly rates are derived from projections based on annual salary data, illustrating possible earning scenarios for professionals in Aurora.
About the Aurora 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) | $25.54 | $204.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.96 | $247.65 |
| Median (P50) | $37.22 | $297.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.52 | $332.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.85 | $382.78 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Aurora
Based on $37.22/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.22/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Aurora, CO can expect to earn approximately $77,412 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,661. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Aurora.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Aurora
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,488.69 | $6,451 | $77,412 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $893.21 | $3,871 | $46,447 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $595.48 | $2,580 | $30,965 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Aurora) | $37.22 |
| 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 Aurora, CO earn a median of $77,406 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.14% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 0.80% above the Colorado state average of $76,791.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.22/hr = $46,447/year (purchasing power: $44,235).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,412/year (purchasing power: $73,726).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.22/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Aurora (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.51/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.91/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.55/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.22/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.26/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Aurora grew 17.5% from $30.80/hr (2019) to $36.20/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.26/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 Aurora 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 Aurora
For those considering part-time employment, working three days a week typically amounts to 24 hours, resulting in substantial annual earnings compared to full-time positions. Per diem occupational therapy assistants tend to command rates between $30 and $45 per hour, with travel contracts offering additional benefits by billing up to $1,700 weekly. However, it’s crucial for occupational therapy assistants to be aware of varying rates based on employer type; skilled nursing facilities may provide different pay compared to outpatient clinics or early intervention programs. The decision between accepting a lower hourly rate for a role that includes health benefits versus pursuing higher pay without such benefits can be significant. Effective negotiation strategies might include researching typical pay ranges in Aurora and understanding the implications of adding services, such as those offered by AOTA or through the COTA-to-MOT pathway, when setting their asking rates.
More salary data for Aurora, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Aurora in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Aurora?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Aurora paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Aurora?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Aurora?
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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 Aurora. 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 Aurora 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