Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Goodyear, AZ: $72,946 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Goodyear, AZ earns a median $72,946/year (≈ $35.07/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Goodyear's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $74,057 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.4% below the Arizona state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median salary for occupational therapy assistants in Goodyear, Arizona, is $72,946, a figure that indicates a competitive compensation rate compared to the national average of $74,332. Salaries in the area vary significantly, ranging from $49,742 at the lower end (P10) to $93,458 at the higher end (P90). These figures are derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost differences, reflecting the local economic climate. Due to the structural divide in the job market—where settings like skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) often face downward pressure in reimbursement rates post-Medicare cuts, while outpatient clinics and school environments can offer more stability—the prospects for occupational therapy assistants could fluctuate based on individual employment settings within Goodyear.
About the Goodyear Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,742 | $23.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60,283 | $28.98 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $72,946 | $35.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,135 | $38.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93,458 | $44.93 |
Median Salary Position
1.86% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Goodyear
In Goodyear, AZ, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $43,716 (2026 est.). At $72,946, the local median is 1.86% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Goodyear: You'd be above the median
How Goodyear Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Goodyear median: $72,946/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Goodyear Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $73,239 | -0.40% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -1.86% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Goodyear, AZ earn a median of $72,946 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.86% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 0.40% below the Arizona state average of $73,239.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Goodyear has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Goodyear, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $72,946 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $74,057 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,363
2025 BLS Actual
$70,952
2026 Current Est.
$72,946
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Goodyear (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,363 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,767 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,579 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,052 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,761 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,695 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,952 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,946 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,996 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Goodyear metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $60,363 (2019) to $70,952 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $74,996 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,633 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Goodyear 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $49,742 – $60,283 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $60,283 – $72,946 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $72,946 – $79,135 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,135 – $93,458 |
OTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapy assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Market in Goodyear
The local job market in Goodyear features approximately 15 employed occupational therapy assistants, suggesting a modest level of opportunity in the field. With a cost-of-living index of 98.5, professionals can find their salaries have relatively high purchasing power in the area. Overall, skilled nursing facilities tend to pay less compared to hospital settings, which often offer better due to the more rigorous productivity standards expected in those environments. The disparity in salary can also be influenced by factors such as the type of contract—year-round positions typically yielding a better income versus those tied to school schedules. To maximize occupational therapy assistant pay in Goodyear, consider seeking employment in higher-paying settings like hospital inpatient rehab or outpatient clinics while staying informed about Medicare reimbursement policies, as these can significantly impact salaries across different care models.
More salary data for Goodyear, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Goodyear, AZ in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Goodyear?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $70,952 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Goodyear metropolitan area. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Goodyear 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