Average Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Occupational Therapy Assistants in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO area earn an average annual salary of $65,910. This figure is slightly below the national average of $69,310, indicating a localized compensation structure influenced by regional economic factors and demand within the Colorado market. While the nominal pay is slightly lower, understanding the cost of living is crucial for a complete financial picture.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $65,910 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $80,660.
- Outlook: The Denver-Aurora-Centennial area supports a robust workforce of 490 Occupational Therapy Assistants. With a Location Quotient of 0.98, the concentration of these professionals is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a stable and established demand for their services. The presence of 0.305 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores a healthy employment landscape for this vital healthcare role.
Salary Overview
The average Occupational Therapy Assistants in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO earns-4.9%below the national average.
$31.7
$1,268
$5,493
Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Denver-Aurora-Centennial have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This upward trajectory is typically driven by increasing healthcare needs, advancements in therapeutic practices, and a growing demand for skilled rehabilitation professionals.
Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary Distribution in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Salary progression for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Denver-Aurora-Centennial typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior or specialized roles command higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary, from the 25th to the 75th percentile and beyond, signify clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential as professionals gain expertise and take on greater responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly 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) | $49,433 | $23.8 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $70,890 | $34.1 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $82,388 | $39.6 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $80,660 | $38.8 |
Detailed Occupational Therapy Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$65,910
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$65,910
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $65,910 in Denver-Aurora-Centennial aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of an Occupational Therapy Assistant's salary in this metropolitan area is equivalent to the national standard, offering a balanced financial environment for residents.
Job Market Context
490
Total Jobs
0.305
Per 1K Jobs
0.98
Location Quotient
Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO has 0.98x the national average concentration of Occupational Therapy Assistants jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.98, the Denver-Aurora-Centennial market for Occupational Therapy Assistants is highly representative of the national employment landscape. This indicates that the job market is neither significantly over-saturated nor experiencing a pronounced shortage of professionals. The availability of jobs is consistent with national averages, suggesting a competitive yet accessible environment for both new entrants and experienced practitioners.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Occupational Therapy Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Boulder, CO Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary | $75,200↑ 14% | 27 mi |
| Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary | $62,130↓ 6% | 54 mi |
Comparing salaries near Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Hiring Occupational Therapy Assistantss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistants make in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
The median annual salary for a Occupational Therapy Assistants in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is $65,910. This typically ranges from $41,890 for entry-level positions to $80,660 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is 4.9% lower than the national median of $69,310.
Is Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO a lucrative place for Occupational Therapy Assistants?
Yes, it offers a balanced financial environment.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the cost of living also matches the national average, resulting in equivalent purchasing power. The stable job market further contributes to its appeal.
Is Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO a good place to live for Occupational Therapy Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
Some top paying nearby cities include Boulder, CO ($75,200) and Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Denver-Aurora-Centennial salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Denver-Aurora-Centennial is $65,910, which is slightly lower than the national average of $69,310.
What is the concentration of Occupational Therapy Assistants in Denver-Aurora-Centennial?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.98, indicating that the density of Occupational Therapy Assistants in this area is very close to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Denver-Aurora-Centennial affect salary perception?
The cost of living index is 100, matching the national average. This means the $65,910 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
What does the job market size suggest for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Denver?
With a local workforce of 490 and 0.305 jobs per 1,000 workers, the job market is stable and offers consistent opportunities for employment.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 490 employees in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO area with a job density of 0.305 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Occupational Therapy Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO