Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Las Vegas, NM: $31.36 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Las Vegas, NM runs $31.36 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,228 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Las Vegas's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.4, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,134 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Las Vegas, NM, occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) earn a median hourly pay of $31.36, which is notably lower than the national median of $35.74. This reflects the local economic conditions and can have varying implications for OTAs looking to design their work schedules. For those considering part-time roles, working three days a week could yield substantial income, especially in demanding environments such as skilled nursing facilities, school therapy rooms, and outpatient clinics. The pay range for OTAs in this region spans from approximately $24.62 at the lower end to about $37.74 for top earners, allowing for flexibility in opportunities based on experience and setting.
About the Las Vegas Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.62 | $196.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.00 | $223.96 |
| Median (P50) | $31.36 | $250.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.40 | $259.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.74 | $301.93 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Las Vegas
Based on $31.36/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.36/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Las Vegas, NM can expect to earn approximately $65,223 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,628. With a cost-of-living index of 94.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Las Vegas.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Las Vegas
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,254.28 | $5,435 | $65,223 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $752.57 | $3,261 | $39,134 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $501.71 | $2,174 | $26,089 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Las Vegas) | $31.36 |
| 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 Las Vegas, NM earn a median of $65,228 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.25% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 7.00% below the New Mexico state average of $70,137.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.36/hr = $39,134/year (purchasing power: $41,455).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,223/year (purchasing power: $69,092).
CoL index: 94.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.95/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.36/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Las Vegas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.95/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.55/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.10/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.53/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.36/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Las Vegas grew 17.5% from $25.95/hr (2019) to $30.50/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.24/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 Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas
When analyzing the part-time earnings of an occupational therapy assistant working 24 hours a week, the annual take-home can be substantially lower than those in full-time positions. Per diem or agency work offers a different reality, with COTAs often billing between $30 and $45 per hour; however, travel contracts may provide more lucrative options, ranging from $1,100 to $1,700 per week. Pay discrepancies also arise based on employer type—while skilled nursing facilities may offer competitive wages, outpatient settings often face tighter budgets post-2022 due to reimbursement cuts. Many OTAs weigh the benefits of health insurance against potentially higher hourly pay without benefits. For those engaged in negotiation, understanding local market rates and expressing flexibility in roles can lead to better outcomes. Ultimately, decisions about hourly pay should consider both immediate financial needs and long-term career prospects in Las Vegas, NM.
More salary data for Las Vegas, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Las Vegas in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Las Vegas?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Las Vegas paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Las Vegas?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Las Vegas?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New Mexico
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 Las Vegas. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Las Vegas 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