Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Littleton, CO: $72,960 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Littleton, CO earns a median $72,960/year (≈ $35.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Littleton's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $69,486 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.0% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
As of 2026, the typical annual compensation for an occupational therapy assistant in Littleton, Colorado, is projected to reach $72,960, providing a competitive salary in the healthcare sector. This figure falls slightly below the national median of $74,332, highlighting a modest local market variance. The salary range for these professionals spans from $54,371 at the 10th percentile to $89,258 at the 90th percentile, reflecting diverse opportunities based on experience and setting. These local estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost factors, which can significantly influence earnings. Given the city's favorable job market, with a total of only seven occupational therapy assistants employed, there is potential for growth in this field, especially as demand for rehabilitation services continues to rise.
About the Littleton Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,371 | $26.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63,268 | $30.42 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $72,960 | $35.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80,052 | $38.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89,258 | $42.91 |
Median Salary Position
1.85% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Littleton
In Littleton, CO, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,887 (2026 est.). At $72,960, the local median is 1.85% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Littleton: You'd be above the median
How Littleton Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Littleton median: $72,960/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Littleton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $76,800 | -5.00% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -1.85% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Littleton, CO earn a median of $72,960 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.85% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 5.00% below the Colorado state average of $76,800.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Littleton has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Littleton, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $72,960 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $69,486 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,375
2025 BLS Actual
$70,966
2026 Current Est.
$72,960
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Littleton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,375 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,779 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,591 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,065 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,774 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,831 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,966 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,960 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,010 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Littleton metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $60,375 (2019) to $70,966 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $75,010 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,635 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Littleton 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) | $54,371 – $63,268 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $63,268 – $72,960 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $72,960 – $80,052 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $80,052 – $89,258 |
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 Littleton
Examining the local market dynamics reveals intriguing factors influencing compensation. With a cost-of-living index of 105, professionals must consider how this impacts their take-home pay and purchasing power in Littleton, CO. As employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation centers tend to offer the highest salaries, while outpatient clinics and school districts may provide more standard pay levels. The disparity in wages is driven by productivity expectations and varying degrees of funding, particularly with the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut affecting payment structures across many settings. To maximize earnings, COTAs should seek opportunities in high-paying environments or those offering PRN roles, and establish contracts that favor stability, ensuring job security throughout the school year and taking advantage of potential weekend shifts. Understanding these nuances can empower occupational therapy assistants to optimize their career outcomes in Littleton.
More salary data for Littleton, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $70,966 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Littleton 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 Littleton 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