Occupational Therapist Salary in Nogales, AZ: $100,513 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Nogales, AZ earns a median $100,513/year (≈ $48.32/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Nogales's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $102,044 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.8% below the Arizona state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the occupational therapist salary in Nogales, AZ, is projected to reach a median annual figure of $100,513, just below the national median of $103,400. The expected salary range for this profession spans from $72,772 at the 10th percentile to $120,881 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse opportunities available within the field. These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost factors, indicate a solid earning potential for therapists practicing in various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and outpatient clinics. As Nogales continues to develop its healthcare infrastructure, occupational therapists are positioned to play vital roles across diverse patient populations, which ultimately influences the pay structure and job availability.
About the Nogales Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($93,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,772 | $34.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $88,139 | $42.38 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $100,513 | $48.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $111,886 | $53.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $120,881 | $58.12 |
Median Salary Position
2.79% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Nogales
In Nogales, AZ, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,109 (2026 est.). At $100,513, the local median is 2.79% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Nogales: You'd be above the median
How Nogales Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Nogales median: $100,513/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Nogales Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $106,702 | -5.80% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -2.79% less |
Occupational Therapists in Nogales, AZ earn a median of $100,513 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.79% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 5.80% below the Arizona state average of $106,702.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Nogales has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Nogales, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $100,513 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $102,044 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$82,578
2025 BLS Actual
$97,529
2026 Current Est.
$100,513
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Nogales (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $82,578 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,871 | Actual |
| 2021 | $83,181 | Actual |
| 2022 | $90,579 | Actual |
| 2023 | $93,680 | Actual |
| 2024 | $86,291 | Actual |
| 2025 | $97,529 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $100,513 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $103,589 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Nogales metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $82,578 (2019) to $97,529 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $103,589 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,011 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Nogales 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $72,772 – $88,139 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $88,139 – $100,513 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $100,513 – $111,886 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $111,886 – $120,881 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Nogales
Despite the promising salary statistics, the job market for occupational therapists in Nogales is relatively small, with only five professionals currently employed in the area. The cost-of-living index stands at 98.5, slightly below the national average, which means therapists can expect a decent purchasing power given the area's lower-than-average living expenses. Among local employers, hospital-based rehab settings often offer the highest compensation, while school contracts may yield lower pay due to their specific productivity expectations and budget constraints. Given the impending shift to an entry-level Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD) by 2027, it would be prudent for therapists in Nogales to consider obtaining specialty certifications, such as becoming a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), to maximize their earning potential. Establishing connections with local healthcare providers and actively pursuing continuing education opportunities can further enhance overall occupational therapist pay in Nogales, AZ.
More salary data for Nogales, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Nogales, AZ in 2026?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $97,529 for occupational therapistsin the Nogales metropolitan area. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Nogales 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