Healthcare Albuquerque, NM Pop. 564,559

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico

The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Albuquerque, NM is $60,841 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 2.2% above the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$60,841
vs State Avg
+$1,309
vs National
$-4,579
Cost of Living
95%

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

Albuquerque offers a median occupational therapy assistant salary of $60,841, which is $1,309 above the New Mexico state average of $59,532. Compared to the national median of $65,420, Albuquerque pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Albuquerque's cost of living is 95% 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 Albuquerque 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 564,559, Albuquerque typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Albuquerque by Experience

In Albuquerque, 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 95% 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 Albuquerque, NM

Percentile Albuquerque
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 New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$70,654
Pop. 87,505
Rio Rancho, NM
$58,878
Pop. 104,046
Las Cruces, NM
$56,261
Pop. 111,385
Roswell, NM
$52,336
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in Albuquerque

Education

Most occupational therapy assistant positions require a associate's degree. Albuquerque and the surrounding New Mexico 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 Albuquerque may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in Albuquerque

Browse open occupational therapy assistant positions in Albuquerque, NM:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Albuquerque

How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make in Albuquerque, NM? ▼
The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico 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 Albuquerque? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $60,841, a occupational therapy assistant in Albuquerque earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Albuquerque compare to the New Mexico state average for occupational therapy assistant pay? ▼
Albuquerque's median occupational therapy assistant salary of $60,841 is 2.2% above the New Mexico state average of $59,532. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Albuquerque, NM? ▼
Albuquerque has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapy assistant salary of $60,841 in Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque? ▼
Most occupational therapy assistant positions in Albuquerque 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.