Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Gallup, NM: $31.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Gallup, NM runs $31.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,238 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Gallup's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.4, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,146 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
One key aspect when considering a career as an occupational therapy assistant in Gallup, NM, is the hourly pay, which stands at a median of $31.37. This rate is less than the national hourly median of $35.74, highlighting a potential earnings gap for COTAs in the area. For part-time professionals working three days a week, the income from this hourly rate can support a modest lifestyle, particularly in typical settings such as skilled nursing facilities or outpatient clinics. With an hourly range from $24.63 for entry-level positions to $36.75 for experienced practitioners, there is room for growth as one develops their skills and expertise in various therapy contexts.
About the Gallup 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) | $24.63 | $197.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.01 | $224.04 |
| Median (P50) | $31.37 | $250.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.18 | $273.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.75 | $294.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gallup
Based on $31.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.37/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gallup, NM can expect to earn approximately $65,244 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,641. With a cost-of-living index of 94.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gallup.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gallup
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,254.69 | $5,437 | $65,244 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $752.82 | $3,262 | $39,146 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $501.88 | $2,175 | $26,098 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Gallup) | $31.37 |
| 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 Gallup, NM earn a median of $65,238 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.23% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 7.00% below the New Mexico state average of $70,148.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.37/hr = $39,146/year (purchasing power: $41,469).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,244/year (purchasing power: $69,114).
CoL index: 94.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.51/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.37/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Gallup (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.56/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.11/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.28/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.51/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Gallup grew 17.5% from $25.96/hr (2019) to $30.51/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.25/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 Gallup 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 Gallup
In terms of part-time earning potential, a three-day workweek (24 hours) translates to an annual take-home income significantly lower than that of full-time colleagues, illustrating the financial trade-offs involved. For per-diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Gallup, rates typically fall between $30-$45 per hour, varying by the demand and specific setting. While travel contracts may offer weekly pay between $1,100 and $1,700, the post-2022 reimbursement changes have led to reduced premium pay in settings such as skilled nursing facilities. In this environment, COTAs may find themselves negotiating for higher hourly rates or comprehensive health benefits, depending on whether they prioritize salary or job security. Knowing which employers, such as school districts or home health agencies, can best support their financial goals is essential for aspiring assistants evaluating opportunities in the region.
More salary data for Gallup, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Gallup. 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 Gallup 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