Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Aurora, CO: $77,406 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Aurora, CO earns a median $77,406/year (≈ $37.22/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Aurora's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $73,720 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% above the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For 2026, Aurora, Colorado, anticipates a median annual salary of $77,406 for occupational therapy assistants, which is notably above the national median of $74,332. The salary range spans from $53,128 at the lowest ten percent to $99,528 at the ninety percent mark, illustrating a competitive job market for skilled professionals. These figures stem from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, reflecting local economic conditions and cost-of-living adjustments in the region. As demand for occupational therapy assistants continues to rise, driven by the need for rehabilitation services in diverse settings, it positions Aurora favorably for prospective COTAs.
About the Aurora Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,128 | $25.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64,392 | $30.96 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $77,406 | $37.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86,375 | $41.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $99,528 | $47.85 |
Median Salary Position
4.14% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Aurora
In Aurora, CO, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,400 (2026 est.). At $77,406, the local median is 4.14% above the national median of $74,332.
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How Aurora Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Aurora median: $77,406/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Aurora Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $76,791 | +0.80% more |
| National Average | $74,332 | +4.14% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Aurora, CO earn a median of $77,406 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.14% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 0.80% above the Colorado state average of $76,791.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Aurora has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Aurora, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $77,406 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $73,720 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$64,054
2025 BLS Actual
$75,290
2026 Current Est.
$77,406
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Aurora (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,054 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,543 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,283 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,907 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,781 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,324 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,290 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,406 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,581 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Aurora metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $64,054 (2019) to $75,290 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $79,581 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,527 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Aurora 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) | $53,128 – $64,392 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $64,392 – $77,406 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $77,406 – $86,375 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $86,375 – $99,528 |
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 Aurora
In Aurora, there are currently 54 occupational therapy assistants employed, demonstrating a solid demand within the local job market. Despite the overall positive salary projections, the cost-of-living index at 105 suggests that although salaries are competitive, purchasing power may be somewhat constrained. Employers within skilled nursing facilities and inpatient rehabilitation hospitals generally offer the highest salaries, while school districts and outpatient clinics often provide lower wages. Factors affecting the variance in pay include work setting, productivity expectations, and the impact of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut that took effect in 2022, which continues to pressure salaries in certain environments. For COTAs seeking to maximize their earnings, focusing on roles in hospital settings, considering PRN opportunities, or exploring contracts that offer higher pay during school years can be advantageous strategies in Aurora's evolving health care landscape.
More salary data for Aurora, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Aurora?
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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 $75,290 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Aurora 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 Aurora 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