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Average Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary in Colorado

Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) in Colorado earn an average annual salary of $67,240. This figure is slightly below the national average of $69,310, suggesting a nuanced compensation landscape within the state. Factors such as regional demand, cost of living, and the specific healthcare market dynamics in Colorado likely contribute to this differential.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $67,240 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $83,820.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 910 Occupational Therapy Assistants and a Location Quotient of 1.01, Colorado demonstrates a job market that is closely aligned with the national average in terms of concentration. This indicates a stable, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for OTAs within the state, suggesting a consistent need for these professionals in healthcare settings.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$67,240

The average Occupational Therapy Assistants in Colorado earns-3.0%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$32.3

Weekly

$1,293

Monthly

$5,603

Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary Distribution in Colorado

Salary progression for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Colorado typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior OTAs with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching into the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps clearly signify career advancement and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$41,890$20.1
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$50,430$24.2
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$68,650$33
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$84,050$40.4
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$83,820$40.3

Detailed Occupational Therapy Assistants Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$67,240

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$63,735

Adjusted for COL (105.5)

The average annual salary of $67,240 in Colorado is juxtaposed with a Cost of Living Index of 105.5, which is 5.5% higher than the national average. This means that while the nominal salary is slightly below the national average, the higher cost of living in Colorado can make the effective purchasing power of an OTA's salary somewhat reduced compared to national benchmarks.

Job Market Context

910

Total Jobs

0.314

Per 1K Jobs

1.01

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.01, Colorado has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Occupational Therapy Assistants roles compared to the national norm.

Colorado's Location Quotient of 1.01 for Occupational Therapy Assistants indicates that the concentration of these professionals in the state is very close to the national average. This suggests a balanced job market where the supply of OTAs is generally in line with the demand, implying a moderately competitive environment for job seekers.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Occupational Therapy Assistants

CitySalaryDist.
Colorado Springs, CO Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary$69,260↑ 3%32 mi
Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary$65,910↓ 2%54 mi
Pueblo, CO Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary$70,110↑ 4%66 mi
Boulder, CO Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary$75,200↑ 12%67 mi

Comparing salaries near Colorado

Hiring Occupational Therapy Assistantss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistants make in Colorado?

The median annual salary for a Occupational Therapy Assistants in Colorado is $67,240. This typically ranges from $41,890 for entry-level positions to $83,820 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Colorado is 3.0% lower than the national median of $69,310.

Is Colorado a lucrative place for Occupational Therapy Assistants?

Somewhat, but with caveats.Colorado OTAs earn slightly less than the national average, but the higher cost of living means their purchasing power may be further impacted. However, the stable job market suggests consistent opportunities.

Is Colorado a good place to live for Occupational Therapy Assistants?

The Cost of Living Index in Colorado is 105.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Colorado?

Some top paying nearby cities include Colorado Springs, CO ($69,260) and Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO.

What is the average salary for an Occupational Therapy Assistant in Colorado?

The average annual salary for an Occupational Therapy Assistant in Colorado is $67,240.

How does Colorado's OTA salary compare to the national average?

Colorado's average OTA salary of $67,240 is slightly lower than the national average of $69,310.

Is the job market for OTAs strong in Colorado?

The job market is stable, with a concentration (Location Quotient) very close to the national average, indicating consistent demand.

How does the cost of living affect an OTA's salary in Colorado?

With a Cost of Living Index of 105.5, the higher expenses in Colorado can reduce the effective purchasing power of the $67,240 average salary compared to areas with a lower cost of living.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 910 employees in the Colorado area with a job density of 0.314 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Occupational Therapy Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Colorado