Healthcare Tucson, AZ Pop. 542,629

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Tucson, Arizona

The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Tucson, AZ is $60,841 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 4.1% below the Arizona state average.

City Median
$60,841
vs State Avg
$-2,616
vs National
$-4,579
Cost of Living
93%

Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay in Tucson: What to Expect (2026)

Tucson offers a median occupational therapy assistant salary of $60,841, which is $2,616 below the Arizona state average of $63,457. Compared to the national median of $65,420, Tucson pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Tucson's cost of living is 93% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for occupational therapy assistants in Tucson spans from $39,060 at the 10th percentile to $85,560 at the 90th percentile — a $46,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $40,920, while senior occupational therapy assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $81,840. As a major metro area with a population of 542,629, Tucson typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Tucson by Experience

In Tucson, an entry-level occupational therapy assistant earns around $40,920, while experienced professionals earn up to $81,840 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,920
$-3,080 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$61,380
$-4,620 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$81,840
$-6,160 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tucson, AZ

Percentile Tucson
10th Percentile $39,060
25th Percentile $48,360
Median (50th) $60,841
75th Percentile $74,400
90th Percentile $85,560

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Other Arizona Cities

How to Become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in Tucson

Education

Most occupational therapy assistant positions require a associate's degree. Tucson and the surrounding Arizona area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Therapeutic ExercisesPatient CareDocumentationCommunicationAdaptabilityCompassion

Job Outlook

Nationally, occupational therapy assistant employment is projected to grow 25% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Tucson may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in Tucson

Browse open occupational therapy assistant positions in Tucson, AZ:

Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Tucson

How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make in Tucson, AZ? ▼
The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Tucson, Arizona is $60,841 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $65,420. Salaries range from $39,060 (10th percentile) to $85,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make per hour in Tucson? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $60,841, a occupational therapy assistant in Tucson earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tucson compare to the Arizona state average for occupational therapy assistant pay? ▼
Tucson's median occupational therapy assistant salary of $60,841 is 4.1% below the Arizona state average of $63,457. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tucson, AZ? ▼
Tucson has a cost of living index of 93% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapy assistant salary of $60,841 in Tucson has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapy assistant in Tucson? ▼
Most occupational therapy assistant positions in Tucson require a associate's degree. Key skills include Therapeutic Exercises, Patient Care, Documentation, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 25% nationally over the next decade.