Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Commerce City, CO: $74,501 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Commerce City, CO earns a median $74,501/year (≈ $35.82/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Commerce City's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $70,953 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, those entering the field of occupational therapy assistants in Commerce City, CO, can anticipate a median annual salary of $74,501, slightly outpacing the national median of $74,332. The local salary range extends from $53,834 at the 10th percentile to $91,316 at the 90th percentile, reflecting considerable diversity in compensation across various settings. Estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost disparities, suggest that the robust job market in Commerce City offers opportunities for growth, especially for those considering the transition from a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to a Master's level Occupational Therapist (MOT). This pathway can significantly enhance an individual's lifetime earning potential in the field.
About the Commerce City Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,834 | $25.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63,671 | $30.61 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $74,501 | $35.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81,351 | $39.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91,316 | $43.90 |
Median Salary Position
0.23% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Commerce City
In Commerce City, CO, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,482 (2026 est.). At $74,501, the local median is 0.23% above the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Commerce City: You'd be above the median
How Commerce City Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Commerce City median: $74,501/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Commerce City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $76,805 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | +0.23% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Commerce City, CO earn a median of $74,501 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.23% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 3.00% below the Colorado state average of $76,805.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Commerce City has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Commerce City, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $74,501 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $70,953 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$61,650
2025 BLS Actual
$72,465
2026 Current Est.
$74,501
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Commerce City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,650 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,084 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,871 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,397 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,163 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,264 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,465 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,501 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,595 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Commerce City metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $61,650 (2019) to $72,465 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $76,595 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,945 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Commerce City 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) | $53,834 – $63,671 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $63,671 – $74,501 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $74,501 – $81,351 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $81,351 – $91,316 |
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 Commerce City
The occupational therapy assistant job market in Commerce City currently employs around 16 professionals, a number that suggests stability relative to the region's needs. With a cost-of-living index of 105, which indicates living expenses slightly above the national average, take-home pay can be impacted by varying employer compensation structures. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehab tend to offer the highest wages, while school district contracts generally provide lower rates. The gap between lower and higher wages can often be attributed to differences in productivity expectations and the nature of client interactions across settings. Given the recent 15% Medicare reimbursement cut effect, Occupational Therapy Assistants should consider maximizing their earning potential by targeting higher-paying facilities and being adaptable in service delivery models. Networking and professional development through the AOTA and NBCOT can also enhance career advancement opportunities in this competitive environment.
More salary data for Commerce City, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Commerce City?
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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 $72,465 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Commerce City 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 Commerce City 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