Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Loveland, CO: $71,818 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Loveland, CO earns a median $71,818/year (≈ $34.52/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Loveland's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $68,398 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.5% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, individuals working as occupational therapy assistants in Loveland, Colorado, can expect a median annual salary of $71,818, slightly below the national average of $74,332. The local salary range provides a spectrum of earnings, with the lowest 10% earning about $51,528 and the top 10% making around $87,475. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost of living considerations, specifically noting Loveland's cost-of-living index of 105, indicating that living expenses are slightly above the national average. This unique market influences both salaries and job availability, making it essential for practitioners to stay informed about their earning potential in Loveland.
About the Loveland Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,528 | $24.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61,047 | $29.35 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $71,818 | $34.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,146 | $37.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87,475 | $42.06 |
Median Salary Position
3.38% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Loveland
In Loveland, CO, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,947 (2026 est.). At $71,818, the local median is 3.38% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Loveland: You'd be above the median
How Loveland Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Loveland median: $71,818/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Loveland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $76,811 | -6.50% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -3.38% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Loveland, CO earn a median of $71,818 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.38% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 6.50% below the Colorado state average of $76,811.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Loveland has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Loveland, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $71,818 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $68,398 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$59,430
2025 BLS Actual
$69,855
2026 Current Est.
$71,818
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Loveland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,430 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,812 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,642 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,077 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,744 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,992 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,855 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,818 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,836 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Loveland metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $59,430 (2019) to $69,855 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $73,836 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,406 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Loveland 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) | $51,528 – $61,047 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $61,047 – $71,818 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $71,818 – $78,146 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,146 – $87,475 |
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 Loveland
With only 17 occupational therapy assistants currently employed in this area, the job market here demonstrates a stable yet competitive landscape. Earnings can vary significantly based on the work setting; skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation often offer the best pay, while those working in school districts and outpatient clinics may see lower compensation. The economic impact of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut that began in 2022 continues to shape the occupational therapy assistant pay landscape in Loveland, contributing to compressed wages in certain settings. Understanding these dynamics is crucial, as is strategizing for salary growth—considering roles that offer year-round contracts or supplementing hours with weekend or PRN work can enhance overall earnings. For both new graduates and experienced practitioners, taking the COTA-to-MOT bridge can also lead to higher lifetime pay opportunities, making it an attractive route for career advancement in the field.
More salary data for Loveland, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Loveland, CO in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Loveland?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapy assistant salary in Loveland?
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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 $69,855 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Loveland 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 Loveland 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