Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Hobbs, NM: $32.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Hobbs, NM runs $32.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,230 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Hobbs's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.4, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,943 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hobbs, New Mexico, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay stands at a median of $32.81, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $35.74. This hourly rate is a critical factor for both full-time and part-time COTAs, especially those working in diverse settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, and outpatient clinics. For part-time professionals working three days a week, this pay translates into a balanced work-life dynamic while maintaining financial stability. The hourly pay range spans from $22.99 for entry-level positions (P10) to $40.52 for top earners (P90), offering robust earning potential depending on experience and workplace environment. The rates mentioned are derived from annual salary data, providing a foundational understanding of what to expect when entering the field as an occupational therapy assistant in Hobbs.
About the Hobbs 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) | $22.99 | $183.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.36 | $234.90 |
| Median (P50) | $32.81 | $262.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.13 | $289.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.52 | $324.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hobbs
Based on $32.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.81/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hobbs, NM can expect to earn approximately $68,238 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,368. With a cost-of-living index of 94.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hobbs.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hobbs
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,312.27 | $5,686 | $68,238 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $787.36 | $3,412 | $40,943 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $524.91 | $2,275 | $27,295 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Hobbs) | $32.81 |
| 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 Hobbs, NM earn a median of $68,230 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.21% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 2.80% below the New Mexico state average of $70,195.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.81/hr = $40,943/year (purchasing power: $43,372).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,238/year (purchasing power: $72,286).
CoL index: 94.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.15/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.91/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Hobbs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.15/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.58/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.91/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Hobbs grew 17.5% from $27.15/hr (2019) to $31.91/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.73/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 Hobbs 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 Hobbs
Considering the nuances of part-time work in Hobbs, an occupational therapy assistant working 24 hours a week can expect to take home significantly less annually than a full-time counterpart, though the flexibility may outweigh financial limitations. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Hobbs typically ranges from $30 to $45 an hour, with travel contracts offering higher weekly rates between $1,100 and $1,700, attracting many professionals seeking lucrative opportunities. However, it’s worth mentioning that some agencies may have adjusted their rates following the 15% Medicare Part B funding cuts. Employers in Hobbs, including skilled nursing and outpatient clinics, often pay different hourly rates based on their funding and patient demographics. This variability can lead to decisions where some COTAs accept positions with lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others might prioritize higher hourly rates without the safety net of benefits. Approaching negotiations with an awareness of these dynamics will place occupational therapy assistants in a stronger position when discussing compensation.
More salary data for Hobbs, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Hobbs in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Hobbs?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Hobbs paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Hobbs?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Hobbs?
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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 Hobbs. 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 Hobbs 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