Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Maricopa, AZ: $74,215 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Maricopa, AZ earns a median $74,215/year (≈ $35.69/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Maricopa's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $75,345 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% above the Arizona state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected annual compensation for occupational therapy assistants in Maricopa, Arizona, is set at $74,215, closely aligned with the national median of $74,332. The salary range for these professionals is significant, starting at $52,916 at the 10th percentile and rising to $90,075 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional price variations, reflect the financial landscape for aspiring occupational therapy assistants in Maricopa. Individuals pursuing the COTA-to-MOT bridge can enhance their earning potential considerably, as advanced degrees often correlate with higher lifetime pay. Given Maricopa's relatively small workforce comprising 10 occupational therapy assistants, the evolving job market presents unique competitive dynamics, indicating a potential for growth and opportunity within the field.
About the Maricopa Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,916 | $25.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62,892 | $30.24 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $74,215 | $35.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80,505 | $38.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90,075 | $43.30 |
Median Salary Position
0.16% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Maricopa
In Maricopa, AZ, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,159 (2026 est.). At $74,215, the local median is 0.16% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Maricopa: You'd be above the median
How Maricopa Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Maricopa median: $74,215/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Maricopa Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $73,191 | +1.40% more |
| National Average | $74,332 | -0.16% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Maricopa, AZ earn a median of $74,215 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.16% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.40% above the Arizona state average of $73,191.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Maricopa 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.
Maricopa, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $74,215 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $75,345 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$61,414
2025 BLS Actual
$72,187
2026 Current Est.
$74,215
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Maricopa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,414 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,842 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,634 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,150 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,905 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,891 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,187 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,215 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,301 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Maricopa metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $61,414 (2019) to $72,187 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $76,301 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,887 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Maricopa 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) | $52,916 – $62,892 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $62,892 – $74,215 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $74,215 – $80,505 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $80,505 – $90,075 |
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 Maricopa
|||SPLIT |||
With a local cost-of-living index at 98.5, Maricopa offers a more affordable environment for occupational therapy assistants compared to the national average. This translates into a favorable context for take-home income, especially for COTAs considering employment at skilled nursing facilities or hospital inpatient rehab settings where pay tends to be higher. The variation in salaries can be attributed to several factors, including the setting in which the services are rendered and the impact of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut implemented in 2022, which has put pressure on payment rates in certain sectors. To maximize earnings in Maricopa, occupational therapy assistants should consider working in environments that offer incentives for weekend or PRN shifts and seek out positions that allow for skill enhancement, such as those in home health agencies or early intervention programs. By strategically navigating their career paths and assessing the nuances of local pay structures, professionals can position themselves for success in the occupational therapy domain.
More salary data for Maricopa, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Maricopa?
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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 $72,187 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Maricopa 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 Maricopa 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