Healthcare Rio Rancho, NM Pop. 104,046

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Rio Rancho, New Mexico

The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Rio Rancho, NM is $58,878 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% below the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$58,878
vs State Avg
$-654
vs National
$-6,542
Cost of Living
92%

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

Rio Rancho offers a median occupational therapy assistant salary of $58,878, which is $654 below the New Mexico state average of $59,532. Compared to the national median of $65,420, Rio Rancho pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Rio Rancho's cost of living is 92% 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 Rio Rancho spans from $37,800 at the 10th percentile to $82,800 at the 90th percentile — a $45,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $39,600, while senior occupational therapy assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $79,200. With a population of 104,046, Rio Rancho is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Rio Rancho by Experience

In Rio Rancho, an entry-level occupational therapy assistant earns around $39,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $79,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$39,600
$-4,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$59,400
$-6,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$79,200
$-8,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rio Rancho, NM

Percentile Rio Rancho
10th Percentile $37,800
25th Percentile $46,800
Median (50th) $58,878
75th Percentile $72,000
90th Percentile $82,800

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$70,654
Pop. 87,505
Albuquerque, NM
$60,841
Pop. 564,559
Las Cruces, NM
$56,261
Pop. 111,385
Roswell, NM
$52,336
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in Rio Rancho

Education

Most occupational therapy assistant positions require a associate's degree. Rio Rancho 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 Rio Rancho may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in Rio Rancho

Browse open occupational therapy assistant positions in Rio Rancho, NM:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Rio Rancho

How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make in Rio Rancho, NM? ▼
The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Rio Rancho, New Mexico is $58,878 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $65,420. Salaries range from $37,800 (10th percentile) to $82,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make per hour in Rio Rancho? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $58,878, a occupational therapy assistant in Rio Rancho earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rio Rancho compare to the New Mexico state average for occupational therapy assistant pay? ▼
Rio Rancho's median occupational therapy assistant salary of $58,878 is 1.1% below the New Mexico state average of $59,532. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Rio Rancho, NM? ▼
Rio Rancho has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapy assistant salary of $58,878 in Rio Rancho 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 Rio Rancho? ▼
Most occupational therapy assistant positions in Rio Rancho 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.