Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Yuma, AZ: $73,775 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Yuma, AZ earns a median $73,775/year (≈ $35.47/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Yuma's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $74,898 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% above the Arizona state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Yuma, Arizona, can anticipate a median annual salary of $73,775 in 2026, which reflects a slight decrease compared to the national median of $74,332. This local estimate, based on 2025 BLS data, highlights a salary range that varies significantly from $49,807 at the lower end (P10) to $88,832 at the higher end (P90). These figures take into account regional price adjustments and reflect the unique economic conditions of Yuma's health care market. With the demand for skilled professionals in the field, understanding compensation trends becomes key for potential occupational therapy assistants looking to thrive in this sector.
About the Yuma Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,807 | $23.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64,793 | $31.15 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $73,775 | $35.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,433 | $38.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88,832 | $42.71 |
Median Salary Position
0.75% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Yuma
In Yuma, AZ, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,025 (2026 est.). At $73,775, the local median is 0.75% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Yuma: You'd be above the median
How Yuma Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Yuma median: $73,775/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Yuma Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $73,190 | +0.80% more |
| National Average | $74,332 | -0.75% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Yuma, AZ earn a median of $73,775 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.75% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 0.80% above the Arizona state average of $73,190.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Yuma 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.
Yuma, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $73,775 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $74,898 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$61,050
2025 BLS Actual
$71,759
2026 Current Est.
$73,775
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Yuma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,050 | Actual |
| 2020 | $73,200 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,268 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,769 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,509 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,476 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,759 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,775 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,849 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Yuma metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $61,050 (2019) to $71,759 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $75,849 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,799 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Yuma 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) | $49,807 – $64,793 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $64,793 – $73,775 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $73,775 – $79,433 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,433 – $88,832 |
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 Yuma
As of 2026, roughly 24 occupational therapy assistants are employed in Yuma, indicating a modest job market for this career path within the region's healthcare services. The cost of living index in Yuma stands at 98.5, which is slightly below the national average, giving local professionals an advantage regarding purchasing power. In this market, skilled nursing facilities typically offer the highest wages, followed closely by inpatient rehabilitation hospitals, while school districts and outpatient clinics may present lower salary offers due to budget constraints. Factors contributing to the disparities in pay include productivity expectations, the impact of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut, and varying scheduling arrangements that might prioritize weekend or PRN work. To maximize earning potential, COTAs in Yuma should explore opportunities across different settings and consider pursuing further certifications or degrees through COTA-to-MOT bridge pathways, which can significantly enhance job prospects and compensation in the long run.
More salary data for Yuma, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Yuma, AZ in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Yuma?
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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 $71,759 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Yuma 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 Yuma 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