Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Pueblo, CO: $33.79 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Pueblo, CO runs $33.79 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,291 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Pueblo's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,174 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Pueblo, Colorado, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $33.79 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $35.74. This hourly rate provides substantial opportunities for both part-time and per-diem workers, who often engage in therapy sessions within skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, and outpatient clinic spaces. For those working three days a week, this rate translates into a reliable income while offering flexibility, which can be appealing for many COTAs balancing other commitments. The hourly wage ranges from $29.59 for entry-level positions to $50.51 for more experienced professionals, reflecting the varied expertise and responsibilities involved in this line of work. These figures are based on data from 2025 BLS OEWS, projected to 2026.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.59 | $236.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.80 | $246.42 |
| Median (P50) | $33.79 | $270.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.56 | $324.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.51 | $404.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pueblo
Based on $33.79/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.79/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pueblo, CO can expect to earn approximately $70,291 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,552. With a cost-of-living index of 91.76 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pueblo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pueblo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,351.75 | $5,858 | $70,291 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $811.05 | $3,515 | $42,174 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $540.70 | $2,343 | $28,116 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Pueblo) | $33.79 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Pueblo, CO earn a median of $70,291 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.44% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 8.50% below the Colorado state average of $76,821.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.79/hr = $42,174/year (purchasing power: $45,961).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,291/year (purchasing power: $76,601).
CoL index: 91.762 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.79/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Pueblo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.46/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.46/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.07/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.79/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Pueblo grew 29.1% from $25.46/hr (2019) to $32.87/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.74/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapy assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pueblo 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.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapy Assistant in Pueblo
Earning potential for a part-time occupational therapy assistant working 24 hours per week enhances financial flexibility but may yield a lower annual income compared to full-time roles. This structure encourages many to explore per diem options, where COTAs can expect compensation between $30 and $45 per hour, depending on the employer and type of services rendered. For COTAs opting for travel contracts, weekly earnings can range from $1,100 to $1,700, although changes in Medicare reimbursement rates have affected agency roles, leading to a decline in premium pay for skilled nursing facilities. As pay rates vary widely depending on the employer type—schools often offer more consistent schedules, while home health agencies might provide higher hourly rates—it's vital for occupational therapy assistants in Pueblo to weigh benefits against pay when considering job offers. Negotiating for better rates is also crucial; COTAs can leverage licensure, relevant certifications, and experience during discussions with potential employers to secure competitive compensation aligned with the market.
More salary data for Pueblo, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Pueblo in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Pueblo?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Pueblo paid hourly or salary?
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Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Pueblo?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapy assistants in Pueblo. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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