Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Lafayette, CO: $35.74 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Lafayette, CO runs $35.74 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $74,325 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Lafayette's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,599 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistant hourly pay in Lafayette, Colorado, is projected at a competitive $35.74 per hour as of 2026, aligning closely with the national hourly median of $35.74. This rate offers an opportunity for part-time workers, particularly those seeking three-day work weeks in various therapeutic environments like skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and through home health visits. For entry-level COTAs, the pay may start around $24.77 per hour, while experienced professionals can earn up to $43.81 per hour, highlighting a significant earning potential depending on skill level and experience in the field.
About the Lafayette 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) | $24.77 | $198.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.79 | $254.31 |
| Median (P50) | $35.74 | $285.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.81 | $302.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.81 | $350.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lafayette
Based on $35.74/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.74/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lafayette, CO can expect to earn approximately $74,332 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,884. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lafayette.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lafayette
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,429.47 | $6,194 | $74,332 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $857.68 | $3,717 | $44,599 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $571.79 | $2,478 | $29,733 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Lafayette) | $35.74 |
| 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 Lafayette, CO earn a median of $74,325 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.01% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 3.20% below the Colorado state average of $76,783.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.74/hr = $44,599/year (purchasing power: $42,476).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $74,332/year (purchasing power: $70,793).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.57/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.74/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Lafayette (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.57/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.26/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.22/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.22/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.74/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Lafayette grew 17.5% from $29.57/hr (2019) to $34.76/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.74/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 Lafayette 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 Lafayette
Examining the nuances of per-diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Lafayette reveals additional factors influencing overall earnings. A COTA working part-time, averaging 24 hours per week, could expect an annual take-home significantly lower than that of full-time workers, whose hours usually approach the standard 40 hours weekly. Moreover, per-diem occupational therapy assistants typically bill between $30 and $45 per hour, with travel contracts also offering lucrative weeklies ranging from $1,100 to $1,700. However, the premium previously enjoyed in skilled nursing facilities has been tempered by the effects of the 15% Medicare cut for OTA-provided services initiated in 2022. Various employer types such as early intervention programs and outpatient clinics impact compensation as well, with those prioritizing benefits often facing sacrifices in hourly pay. For those working in Lafayette, practical negotiation should involve a clear understanding of not just wage expectations but also health insurance offerings that may accompany lower hourly rates.
More salary data for Lafayette, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Lafayette in 2026?
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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 Lafayette. 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 Lafayette 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