Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Arvada, CO: $53.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Arvada, CO runs $53.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $111,626 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Arvada's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $51.11 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $66,972 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in Arvada, Colorado, earn a competitive median hourly rate of $53.66, notably higher than the national median of $49.71. This wage reflects the growing demand for occupational therapy services across various settings, including hospital rehabilitation units, outpatient clinics, and home health visits. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this translates to substantial earnings that can effectively support a balanced lifestyle. The hourly pay range from entry-level positions at approximately $39.51 to seasoned professionals earning up to $69.49 underscores the valuable skill set required in this profession. These estimates are derived from annual salary data, offering a promising outlook for both full-time and per-diem occupational therapists in the area.
About the Arvada Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39.51 | $316.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.76 | $358.07 |
| Median (P50) | $53.66 | $429.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61.78 | $494.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $69.49 | $555.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Arvada
Based on $53.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $53.66/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Arvada, CO can expect to earn approximately $111,620 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $64,396. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Arvada.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Arvada
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,146.53 | $9,302 | $111,620 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,287.92 | $5,581 | $66,972 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $858.61 | $3,721 | $44,648 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Arvada) | $53.66 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $33.15 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist (National Avg) | $43.80 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapists in Arvada, CO earn a median of $111,626 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.96% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 2.40% above the Colorado state average of $109,010.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $53.66/hr = $66,972/year (purchasing power: $63,783).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $111,620/year (purchasing power: $106,305).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$44.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$52.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$53.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Arvada (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.09/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $44.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $50.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.52/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $52.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55.31/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Arvada grew 18.1% from $44.09/hr (2019) to $52.07/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $55.31/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Arvada 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 3.06% 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 Therapist in Arvada
When considering part-time opportunities, an occupational therapist working twelve hours a week would take home a considerable amount annually compared to their full-time counterparts. For per diem roles, professionals in Arvada can expect to charge between $50 and $75 per hour, with specialized hand therapists commanding rates from $80 to $110 in cash-pay practices. Additionally, travel contracts in this field can yield impressive weekly earnings ranging from $1,800 to $2,800. Different employer types in Arvada, including skilled nursing facilities and early intervention programs, often present varied hourly compensation, leading many therapists to weigh the trade-offs between lower hourly wages with benefits and higher rates without them. For those negotiating hourly pay, emphasizing specialized skills like hand therapy certification (CHT) or flexibility in scheduling can strengthen one’s position when discussing compensation in this evolving field.
More salary data for Arvada, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Arvada in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Arvada?
Are occupational therapists in Arvada paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Arvada?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Arvada?
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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
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 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapists in Arvada. 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 Arvada 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 3.06%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapists (SOC 29-1122).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov