Flagstaff vs Lake Havasu City: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Flagstaff, AZ and Lake Havasu City, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Flagstaff, AZ | Lake Havasu City, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $71,479 | $72,656▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $34.37 | $34.93▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,437▲ | $49,377 |
| 25th Percentile | $61,623 | $64,054▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $78,641 | $81,353▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $88,503 | $92,320▲ |
| Total Employed | 14▲ | 13 |
Verdict
Lake Havasu City, AZ offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Flagstaff.
The salary gap between Flagstaff and Lake Havasu City is $1,177 (1.65%). Lake Havasu City's median is -2.25% compared to the US national median of $74,332.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Flagstaff spans $36,066,Lake Havasu City spans $42,943. Lake Havasu City has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapy assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Lake Havasu City ($73,762 effective) pays 1.65% more than Flagstaff ($72,568 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Flagstaff if…
- ✓Larger job market (14 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Lake Havasu City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($72,656/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($92,320)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,762)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Flagstaff grew 3.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 25.2% growth in Lake Havasu City over the same period.
Flagstaff, AZ
$67,313 (2024) → $69,525 (2025)
Lake Havasu City, AZ
$56,440 (2021) → $70,670 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Flagstaff, AZ
Lake Havasu City, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Flagstaff or Lake Havasu City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Flagstaff and Lake Havasu City?
Should I relocate from Flagstaff to Lake Havasu City as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Flagstaff vs Lake Havasu City?
Related Comparisons
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.81% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
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