Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Steamboat Springs, CO: $34.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Steamboat Springs, CO runs $34.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $72,419 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Steamboat Springs's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.16 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,458 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Steamboat Springs, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected to reach $34.82 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $35.74 per hour. For part-time workers operating on a three-day-per-week schedule, this means earning around $1,111 biweekly for 24 hours of work, equating to about $28,776 annually. This hourly rate offers a range from $25.22 for entry-level positions to $41.64 for seasoned professionals. These pay estimates are essential for those working in various settings, such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and during home health visits. For individuals who may choose per diem work, the hourly rate can vary—but on average, this line of work can lead to competitive earnings and important career flexibility.
About the Steamboat Springs 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) | $25.22 | $201.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.70 | $253.57 |
| Median (P50) | $34.82 | $278.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.54 | $292.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.64 | $333.10 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Steamboat Springs
Based on $34.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.82/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Steamboat Springs, CO can expect to earn approximately $72,429 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,786. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Steamboat Springs.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Steamboat Springs
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,392.87 | $6,036 | $72,429 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $835.72 | $3,621 | $43,458 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $557.15 | $2,414 | $28,972 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Steamboat Springs) | $34.82 |
| 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 Steamboat Springs, CO earn a median of $72,419 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.57% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 5.70% below the Colorado state average of $76,797.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.82/hr = $43,458/year (purchasing power: $41,388).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $72,429/year (purchasing power: $68,980).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Steamboat Springs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.82/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.92/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.10/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Steamboat Springs grew 17.5% from $28.82/hr (2019) to $33.87/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.80/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 Steamboat Springs 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 Steamboat Springs
Looking at the earning potential for part-time occupational therapy assistants reveals significant differences when compared to full-time counterparts. A typical COTA working part-time may earn less annually than a full-time specialist, but the scheduling flexibility can be appealing. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Steamboat Springs often falls within the $30 to $45 range, with more lucrative travel contracts paying weekly around $1,100 to $1,700. However, due to Medicare cuts and market dynamics, skilled nursing facilities may pay lower rates. Occupational therapy assistants sometimes choose between higher hourly wages with limited benefits and more stable positions with lower pay but insurance options. Effective negotiation can help navigate this balance; exploring opportunities across diverse employer types, such as school districts or outpatient clinics, allows COTAs to secure better compensation tailored to their needs and lifestyle.
More salary data for Steamboat Springs, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Steamboat Springs in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Steamboat Springs?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Steamboat Springs paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Steamboat Springs?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Steamboat Springs?
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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 Steamboat Springs. 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 Steamboat Springs 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