Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Tempe, AZ: $73,527 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Tempe, AZ earns a median $73,527/year (≈ $35.35/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Tempe's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $74,647 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.4% above the Arizona state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected occupational therapy assistant salary in Tempe, Arizona stands at $73,527, reflecting a slight decrease of 1.08% compared to the national median of $74,332. Local salaries range between $53,823 at the 10th percentile to $89,512 at the 90th percentile, indicating significant variation in compensation linked to experience, setting, and responsibilities. The estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional price parity, illustrate a competitive salary framework that enhances lifetime earning potential, particularly for assistants considering the COTA-to-MOT (Master of Occupational Therapy) bridge. Understanding these dynamics is essential for professionals in Tempe, especially in a climate where demand for skilled occupational therapy practitioners continues to grow.
About the Tempe Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,823 | $25.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63,477 | $30.51 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $73,527 | $35.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,482 | $38.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89,512 | $43.04 |
Median Salary Position
1.08% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tempe
In Tempe, AZ, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,689 (2026 est.). At $73,527, the local median is 1.08% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Tempe: You'd be above the median
How Tempe Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Tempe median: $73,527/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tempe Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $73,234 | +0.40% more |
| National Average | $74,332 | -1.08% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Tempe, AZ earn a median of $73,527 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.08% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 0.40% above the Arizona state average of $73,234.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tempe 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.
Tempe, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $73,527 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $74,647 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,844
2025 BLS Actual
$71,517
2026 Current Est.
$73,527
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Tempe (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,844 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,258 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,061 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,554 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,284 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,241 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,517 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,527 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,593 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tempe metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $60,844 (2019) to $71,517 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $75,593 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,749 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tempe 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) | $53,823 – $63,477 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $63,477 – $73,527 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $73,527 – $79,482 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,482 – $89,512 |
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 Tempe
With 43 occupational therapy assistants currently employed in the Tempe area, the local job market remains relatively stable, particularly in light of the cost-of-living index of 98.5, which suggests a slightly lower living expense compared to the national average. This favorable cost structure allows occupational therapy assistant pay in Tempe AZ to stretch further, offering decent purchasing power. Employers such as skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehab generally furnish the highest pay rates, while roles within school districts and outpatient clinics tend to offer less compensation. Factors influencing salary variation include productivity expectations, potential premiums for weekend shifts, and the ongoing impact of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut on OTA-provided services, especially affecting rates in skilled nursing and outpatient environments. For those seeking to maximize earnings, focusing on settings that offer better pay and continuous professional development, including pursuing advanced education pathways, can be effective strategies to enhance financial outcomes in this competitive industry.
More salary data for Tempe, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Tempe, AZ in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Tempe?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapy assistant salary in Tempe?
How much does a occupational therapy assistant make per hour in Tempe?
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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 $71,517 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Tempe 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 Tempe 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