Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Erie, CO: $36.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Erie, CO runs $36.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $75,988 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Erie's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.79 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,587 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Erie, Colorado, the projected median hourly pay for an occupational therapy assistant is set at $36.53. This figure exceeds the national hourly median of $35.74, reflecting a competitive local job market. For occupational therapy assistants working part-time, such as those on a three-day-a-week schedule, this hourly rate translates into meaningful income for those engaged in various settings, including skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and rehabilitation programs. Entry-level positions in Erie may start around $26.50 per hour, while top earners can reach $42.83 per hour, showcasing a wide range of compensation based on experience and specific job roles. These hourly rates are derived from annual salary projections, allowing practitioners to gauge their compensation effectively in relation to their working hours.
About the Erie 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) | $26.50 | $212.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.26 | $250.12 |
| Median (P50) | $36.53 | $292.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.84 | $310.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.83 | $342.65 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Erie
Based on $36.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.53/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Erie, CO can expect to earn approximately $75,979 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,834. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Erie.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Erie
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,461.14 | $6,332 | $75,979 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $876.68 | $3,799 | $45,587 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $584.45 | $2,533 | $30,392 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Erie) | $36.53 |
| 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 Erie, CO earn a median of $75,988 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.23% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 1.10% below the Colorado state average of $76,833.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.53/hr = $45,587/year (purchasing power: $43,417).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $75,979/year (purchasing power: $72,361).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Erie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.23/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.34/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.57/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Erie grew 17.5% from $30.23/hr (2019) to $35.53/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.55/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 Erie 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 Erie
Some professionals in Erie may choose part-time roles, generating about $36,000 annually from a 24-hour work week at the aforementioned hourly rate, while full-time assistants can see much higher earnings over the course of the year. The reality of per-diem positions draws many, with these occupational therapy assistants often billing between $30 and $45 per hour. Travel contract positions can yield even higher weekly earnings, averaging $1,100 to $1,700. However, it's crucial to consider the variability in pay depending on the employer type—skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, schools, and home health agencies often offer different compensation levels due to reimbursement rates and other funding factors. While some may opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance, others might prioritize higher pay without benefits. Effective negotiation skills, particularly in defining work schedules and additional support, become essential for those seeking favorable conditions in Erie’s dynamic job market.
More salary data for Erie, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Erie in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Erie?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Erie paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Erie?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Erie?
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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 Erie. 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 Erie 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