Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Castle Rock, CO: $36.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Castle Rock, CO runs $36.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $75,651 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Castle Rock's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,395 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Castle Rock, Colorado, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected to reach $36.37 by 2026, which reflects a notable increase over the national average of $35.74. This hourly rate allows for flexibility in work schedules, making it attractive for part-time professionals seeking to work three days a week in settings such as skilled nursing facilities or outpatient clinics. Such a setup can be advantageous for those who also seek per diem opportunities, as pay can range from $27.05 at entry-level to as high as $43.46 for experienced practitioners. By understanding these figures, occupational therapy assistants can make informed decisions about their career paths, including per diem roles that critical for meeting patient needs across various rehabilitation environments.
About the Castle Rock 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) | $27.05 | $216.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.75 | $253.98 |
| Median (P50) | $36.37 | $290.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.96 | $311.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.46 | $347.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Castle Rock
Based on $36.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.37/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Castle Rock, CO can expect to earn approximately $75,658 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,649. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Castle Rock.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Castle Rock
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,454.97 | $6,305 | $75,658 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $872.98 | $3,783 | $45,395 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $581.99 | $2,522 | $30,263 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Castle Rock) | $36.37 |
| 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 Castle Rock, CO earn a median of $75,651 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.77% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 1.50% below the Colorado state average of $76,803.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.37/hr = $45,395/year (purchasing power: $43,233).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $75,658/year (purchasing power: $72,056).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.10/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.38/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.37/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Castle Rock (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.10/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.21/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.79/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.38/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Castle Rock grew 17.5% from $30.10/hr (2019) to $35.38/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.40/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 Castle Rock 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 Castle Rock
Part-time occupational therapy assistants working approximately 24 hours a week can expect a significantly different financial picture compared to their full-time counterparts. For instance, an individual could cumulatively earn around $45,224 annually, whereas full-time roles may yield higher earnings substantially above that threshold. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Castle Rock typically lies between $30 and $45 per hour, but specialty and agency roles can command more; travel contracts range from $1,100 to $1,700 weekly. Furthermore, the type of employer affects hourly rates; skilled nursing facilities and hospitals often have tighter budgets, especially following the Medicare reimbursement cuts that began in 2022. Some COTAs may opt for positions with lower hourly rates that include benefits like health insurance, whereas others might prioritize higher compensation without the safety net of employer-sponsored benefits. As a result, effective negotiation becomes crucial. COTAs should consider the overall compensation package when assessing hourly roles across Castle Rock, ensuring they align with their long-term career goals and needs.
More salary data for Castle Rock, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Castle Rock in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Castle Rock?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Castle Rock paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Castle Rock?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Castle Rock?
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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 Castle Rock. 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 Castle Rock 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