Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Deming, NM: $65,470 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Deming, NM earns a median $65,470/year (≈ $31.48/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Deming's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 94.4), that paycheck buys what $69,354 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.7% below the New Mexico state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the occupational therapy assistant salary in Deming, NM, is projected to reflect the complexities of varying workplace environments. With a median annual salary of $65,470, compensation ranges from $51,532 at the 10th percentile to $77,155 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost variations, highlight significant pay disparities largely influenced by the type of facility where COTAs work. The impact of recent Medicare funding cuts has led to tighter budgets in skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics, constraining earning potential in these settings compared to potential salaries in hospital-based roles or educational contracts. For those considering a career in occupational therapy assistance, understanding the job dynamics in Deming is essential for maximizing salary opportunities.
About the Deming Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,532 | $24.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,742 | $28.24 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,470 | $31.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70,233 | $33.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77,155 | $37.09 |
Median Salary Position
11.92% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Deming
In Deming, NM, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $25,623 (2026 est.). At $65,470, the local median is 11.92% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Deming: You'd be above the median
How Deming Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Deming median: $65,470/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Deming Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico Average | $70,172 | -6.70% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -11.92% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Deming, NM earn a median of $65,470 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.92% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 6.70% below the New Mexico state average of $70,172.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Deming has a cost of living 5.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Deming, NM has a cost-of-living index of 94.4 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $65,470 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $69,354 in an average-cost city — an effective 5.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$54,177
2025 BLS Actual
$63,681
2026 Current Est.
$65,470
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Deming (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,177 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,437 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,371 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,591 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,022 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,656 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,681 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,470 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,310 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Deming metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $54,177 (2019) to $63,681 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,310 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,133 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Deming 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) | $51,532 – $58,742 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,742 – $65,470 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,470 – $70,233 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $70,233 – $77,155 |
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 Deming
Analyzing the local job market reveals that only four occupational therapy assistants are currently employed in Deming, indicating a niche yet competitive environment. With a cost-of-living index of 94.4, workers may enjoy a better quality of life despite facing lower wages compared to national standards. Among the various employers in the region, hospitals typically offer the highest pay, outperforming schools and skilled nursing facilities, especially in light of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut that has negatively affected salaries in those areas. Factors contributing to the pay range include setting-specific expectations, job responsibilities, and shifts that can involve supplemental weekend or PRN hours. To enhance earning potential in Deming, occupational therapy assistants should consider diversifying their experience across different settings and actively seek positions that offer year-round contracts, positioning themselves to capitalize on fluctuating demands in the market.
More salary data for Deming, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Deming, NM in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Deming?
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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 $63,681 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Deming 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 Deming 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