Boulder vs Castle Rock: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Boulder, CO and Castle Rock, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boulder, CO | Castle Rock, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $127,269▲ | $107,387 |
| Hourly Rate | $61.19▲ | $51.63 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $88,539▲ | $80,121 |
| 25th Percentile | $107,028▲ | $90,381 |
| 75th Percentile | $139,533▲ | $122,335 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $180,139▲ | $136,206 |
| Total Employed | 260▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Boulder, CO offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Castle Rock.
The salary gap between Boulder and Castle Rock is $19,882 (18.51%). Boulder's median is +23.08% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boulder spans $91,600,Castle Rock spans $56,085. Boulder has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Boulder ($120,976 effective) pays 18.29% more than Castle Rock ($102,273 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boulder if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($127,269/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($180,139)
- ✓Larger job market (260 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $120,976)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Castle Rock if…
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Boulder grew 31.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 11.9% growth in Castle Rock over the same period.
Boulder, CO
$93,890 (2019) → $123,490 (2025)
Castle Rock, CO
$93,087 (2024) → $104,199 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boulder, CO
Castle Rock, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Boulder or Castle Rock?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boulder and Castle Rock?
Should I relocate from Boulder to Castle Rock as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Boulder vs Castle Rock?
Related Comparisons
Written by Jordan Miller, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in occupational therapy. They specialize in pediatrics and work in a rehabilitation clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% 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 Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov