Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Wheat Ridge, CO: $73,896 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Wheat Ridge, CO earns a median $73,896/year (≈ $35.53/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Wheat Ridge's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $70,377 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wheat Ridge, Colorado, occupational therapy assistants can expect a median annual salary of $73,896 in 2026, reflecting a competitive market for this vital healthcare role. The local salary range spans from $56,599 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $89,772 at the upper end (90th percentile), highlighting variances based on experience and specific employment settings. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors, indicate that productivity expectations—often tied to the number of client visits per day—significantly influence compensation levels in this city. This nuanced understanding of market dynamics is essential for both current occupational therapy assistants and those looking to enter the field.
About the Wheat Ridge Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,599 | $27.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $65,210 | $31.35 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $73,896 | $35.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80,470 | $38.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89,772 | $43.16 |
Median Salary Position
0.59% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wheat Ridge
In Wheat Ridge, CO, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $33,173 (2026 est.). At $73,896, the local median is 0.59% below the national median of $74,332.
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How Wheat Ridge Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Wheat Ridge median: $73,896/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wheat Ridge Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $76,815 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -0.59% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Wheat Ridge, CO earn a median of $73,896 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.59% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 3.80% below the Colorado state average of $76,815.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wheat Ridge has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Wheat Ridge, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $73,896 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $70,377 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$61,149
2025 BLS Actual
$71,876
2026 Current Est.
$73,896
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Wheat Ridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,149 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,571 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,368 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,873 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,617 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,701 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,876 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,896 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,972 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wheat Ridge metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $61,149 (2019) to $71,876 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $75,972 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,823 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wheat Ridge 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) | $56,599 – $65,210 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $65,210 – $73,896 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $73,896 – $80,470 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $80,470 – $89,772 |
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 Wheat Ridge
The job market for occupational therapy assistants in Wheat Ridge reflects a robust local climate, with around eight individuals currently employed in this role. However, with a cost-of-living index of 105, which is slightly above the national average, the purchasing power for those salaries must be carefully considered. Higher-paying employers in Wheat Ridge often include hospital inpatient rehab centers and outpatient clinics, where the more demanding environment can reflect on salary levels. Factors such as weekend and PRN premium pay, contractual agreements that differ between school years and year-round commitments, and the impact of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut since 2022 have contributed to the spread in earnings. For those aiming to maximize their pay in Wheat Ridge, pursuing positions in higher-paying facilities or negotiating contracts that offset the Medicare impacts could be strategic moves aligned with their professional development pathways.
More salary data for Wheat Ridge, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Wheat Ridge, CO in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Wheat Ridge?
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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 $71,876 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Wheat Ridge 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 Wheat Ridge 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