Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Clovis, NM: $32.04 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Clovis, NM runs $32.04 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,634 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Clovis's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.4, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.94 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,980 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Clovis, NM, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay stands at a median of $32.04. This figure is notably lower than the national median of $35.74 per hour, underscoring a slight disparity that can affect job decisions for COTAs in the area. For those considering part-time roles or per-diem opportunities, earning around this hourly rate translates into viable income for three days of work each week. Typical employment settings for these positions include skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, outpatient clinics, and home health visits. As Clovis presents a range of hourly earnings, entry-level positions often start around $23.85, while more experienced professionals can command rates as high as $38.03, allowing for significant variation depending on experience and employer type.
About the Clovis Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.85 | $190.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.77 | $222.15 |
| Median (P50) | $32.04 | $256.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.44 | $275.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.03 | $304.24 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Clovis
Based on $32.04/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.04/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Clovis, NM can expect to earn approximately $66,634 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,443. With a cost-of-living index of 94.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Clovis.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Clovis
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,281.42 | $5,553 | $66,634 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $768.85 | $3,332 | $39,980 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $512.57 | $2,221 | $26,654 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Clovis) | $32.04 |
| 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 Clovis, NM earn a median of $66,634 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.36% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 5.00% below the New Mexico state average of $70,141.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.04/hr = $39,980/year (purchasing power: $42,352).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,634/year (purchasing power: $70,587).
CoL index: 94.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.16/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.04/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Clovis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.69/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.88/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.16/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.04/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.94/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Clovis grew 17.5% from $26.51/hr (2019) to $31.16/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.94/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 Clovis 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 Clovis
Examining the financial dynamics for part-time occupational therapy assistants in Clovis reveals interesting trends. A COTA working a three-day schedule could expect to net approximately $50,000 annually, translating to a consistent monthly paycheck that allows for financial stability. In contrast, per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Clovis typically ranges from $30 to $45 hourly, giving professionals flexibility but varying income potential, particularly in the face of market shifts like the 15% Medicare cut affecting reimbursement rates since 2022. Different employer types also influence pay scales, with skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics potentially offering different remuneration structures. Some COTA positions provide health insurance, reflecting a trade-off for occupational therapy assistants willing to accept lower pay for benefits, while others might seek higher hourly rates without benefits. When negotiating salary, it’s crucial to understand local market conditions and be prepared to discuss worth based on certification status and the employed setting.
More salary data for Clovis, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Clovis in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Clovis?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Clovis paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Clovis?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Clovis?
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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 Clovis. 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 Clovis 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