Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Cheyenne, WY: $29.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Cheyenne, WY runs $29.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,411 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Cheyenne's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.8, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.82 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,850 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cheyenne, WY, the hourly compensation for an occupational therapy assistant is projected to be $29.53 in 2026, which reflects a significant difference compared to the national median of $35.74 per hour. This disparity means that individuals in part-time arrangements, such as working three days a week, may find their earnings limited compared to full-time counterparts. Typical work settings for these professionals range from skilled nursing facilities to outpatient clinics and educational environments. For entry-level occupational therapy assistants, hourly pay starts at about $19.99, while those at the higher end of the scale can earn up to $37.41. These figures, derived from annual salary projections, suggest a moderately competitive pay structure within the local healthcare market.
About the Cheyenne Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.99 | $159.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.97 | $207.76 |
| Median (P50) | $29.53 | $236.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.99 | $263.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.41 | $299.30 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cheyenne
Based on $29.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.53/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cheyenne, WY can expect to earn approximately $61,416 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,432. With a cost-of-living index of 95.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cheyenne.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cheyenne
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,181.08 | $5,118 | $61,416 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $708.65 | $3,071 | $36,850 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $472.43 | $2,047 | $24,566 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Cheyenne) | $29.53 |
| 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 Cheyenne, WY earn a median of $61,411 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.38% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 0.90% below the Wyoming state average of $61,969.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.53/hr = $36,850/year (purchasing power: $38,465).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,416/year (purchasing power: $64,109).
CoL index: 95.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Cheyenne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Cheyenne grew 17.5% from $24.43/hr (2019) to $28.72/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.36/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 Cheyenne 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 Cheyenne
When evaluating part-time work, a 24-hour weekly schedule translates into annual earnings significantly below those of full-time occupational therapy assistants. While some part-time COTAs could take home an estimated $36,000 annually, full-timers can expect to earn closer to $61,411. Explored through the lens of per-diem roles, these professionals often bill $30 to $45 per hour, and travel COTA contracts can yield weekly pay between $1,100 and $1,700. However, some professionals may opt for lower hourly pay in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, which is particularly relevant in a city like Cheyenne. Variation in rates can also be influenced by the type of employer—skilled nursing facilities typically offer different compensation than school districts or outpatient clinics. Career advisors recommend negotiating benefits carefully, as some might prioritize comprehensive coverage over higher hourly posts.
More salary data for Cheyenne, WY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Cheyenne in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Cheyenne?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Cheyenne paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Cheyenne?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Cheyenne?
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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 Cheyenne. 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 Cheyenne 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