Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Roswell, NM: $33.09 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Roswell, NM runs $33.09 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,834 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Roswell's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.4, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,302 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, occupational therapy assistants in Roswell, New Mexico, earn a median hourly rate of $33.09, which falls short of the national median hourly rate of $35.74. For those considering part-time work—often three days a week—this rate translates to meaningful earnings in typical settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, outpatient clinics, and home health visits. With an hourly range from $23.68 for entry-level positions to $39.32 for the highest earners, there’s potential for a solid income, particularly for per diem occupational therapy assistants who may seek more flexible arrangements. These figures derive from annual salary estimates, reflecting the financial landscape for COTAs in Roswell amid stable demand for their services.
About the Roswell 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) | $23.68 | $189.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.96 | $223.71 |
| Median (P50) | $33.09 | $264.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.60 | $284.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.32 | $314.60 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Roswell
Based on $33.09/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.09/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Roswell, NM can expect to earn approximately $68,837 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,713. With a cost-of-living index of 94.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Roswell.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Roswell
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,323.78 | $5,736 | $68,837 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $794.27 | $3,442 | $41,302 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $529.51 | $2,295 | $27,535 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Roswell) | $33.09 |
| 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 Roswell, NM earn a median of $68,834 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.40% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.90% below the New Mexico state average of $70,168.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.09/hr = $41,302/year (purchasing power: $43,752).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,837/year (purchasing power: $72,920).
CoL index: 94.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.09/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Roswell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.48/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.61/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.16/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.09/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Roswell grew 17.5% from $27.39/hr (2019) to $32.19/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.02/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 Roswell 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 Roswell
Evaluating the financial composition for part-time COTAs reveals that those working 24 hours a week may take home approximately $41,055 annually, compared to their full-time counterparts who earn significantly more. The per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Roswell generally ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, with travel contracts offering up to $1,700 weekly. However, post-2022, the agency pay rates for skilled nursing facilities have declined due to reimbursement cuts. Hourly rates can vary across employer types; skilled nursing facilities might offer lower rates than hospitals but provide health insurance, prompting some COTAs to weigh benefits against salary. For those entering negotiations, understanding the local market, particularly in Roswell's therapy environments, can enhance their positioning while seeking favorable hourly arrangements.
More salary data for Roswell, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Roswell in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Roswell?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Roswell paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Roswell?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Roswell?
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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 Roswell. 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 Roswell 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