Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Boulder, CO: $41.95 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Boulder, CO runs $41.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $87,245 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Boulder's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.2, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $39.87 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,349 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Boulder, Colorado, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay stands at a competitive $41.95, which is significantly higher than the national hourly median of $35.74. This favorable rate suggests that part-time professionals, such as those working three days a week, would see a substantial income, making the career appealing for those opting for flexibility. Per-diem workers in various settings—like skilled nursing facilities, therapy rooms in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and even home health visits—can earn anywhere from $33.71 to $44.47 per hour, enhancing the potential for high earnings relative to many other occupations in the area. Such figures reflect the current landscape based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected for 2026, and reveal that hourly compensation is a vital aspect of attracting and retaining skilled occupational therapy assistants in Boulder.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.71 | $269.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.18 | $305.47 |
| Median (P50) | $41.95 | $335.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.47 | $355.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.47 | $355.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Boulder
Based on $41.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.95/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Boulder, CO can expect to earn approximately $87,249 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,336. With a cost-of-living index of 105.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Boulder.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Boulder
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,677.86 | $7,271 | $87,249 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,006.72 | $4,362 | $52,349 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $671.14 | $2,908 | $34,899 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Boulder) | $41.95 |
| 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 Boulder, CO earn a median of $87,245 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.37% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 13.60% above the Colorado state average of $76,800.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.95/hr = $52,349/year (purchasing power: $49,761).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $87,249/year (purchasing power: $82,934).
CoL index: 105.202 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$34.71/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.95/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Boulder (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.71/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.52/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.84/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.24/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Boulder grew 17.5% from $34.71/hr (2019) to $40.80/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.13/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 Boulder 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 Boulder
Although part-time occupational therapy assistants may take home lower earnings compared to their full-time counterparts, the ability to balance work and personal commitments remains a significant advantage. For instance, a COTA working 24 hours a week at $41.95 per hour could make around $52,184 annually, which is still respectable for part-time work. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Boulder usually falls within the range of $30 to $45 per hour, though some specialized travel contracts can reach up to $1,700 weekly, presenting lucrative opportunities for those willing to be flexible. Employers, such as skilled nursing facilities and outpatient programs, often vary pay rates based on the demand for services, leading to a diverse economic environment for occupational therapy assistants. While some may opt for higher hourly rates without benefits, others might accept lower rates that include health insurance, making negotiation practices crucial. COTAs in Boulder should approach discussions with potential employers strategically, considering the total compensation package rather than focusing solely on the hourly rate.
More salary data for Boulder, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Boulder in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Boulder?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Boulder paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Boulder?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Boulder?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Colorado
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 Boulder. 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, 4-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