Occupational Therapy Assistant salary in Tucson, AZ
Occupational Therapy Assistants in the Tucson, AZ metro area earn a median of $71,480 a year ($34.37 an hour), based on BLS data for 160 workers.
Pay ranges from $50,010 for the lowest-paid 10% to $80,200 for the top 10%. That is 1% lower than the national median of $72,300. Pay here is 3% lower than the Arizona statewide median of $73,490. There are 0.41 occupational therapy assistants per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.2× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $69,380, close to the median.
Pay range for occupational therapy assistants in Tucson, AZ
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $50,010 | $24.04 |
| 25th percentile | $61,590 | $29.61 |
| Median | $71,480 | $34.37 |
| 75th percentile | $74,500 | $35.82 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $80,200 | $38.56 |
| Average (mean) | $69,380 | $33.35 |
Half of occupational therapy assistants earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $5,956.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,978.33 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,749.23 |
| Weekly | $1,374.62 |
| Hourly | $34.37 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $71,480 salary, see how much house you can afford in Arizona at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Occupational Therapy Assistant salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ | $76,080 | 800 |
Highest-paying states for occupational therapy assistants
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Maryland | $82,010 |
| California | $81,770 |
| Texas | $81,500 |
| Nevada | $79,510 |
| Arkansas | $78,940 |
| Delaware | $78,640 |
| Washington | $77,590 |
| New Mexico | $77,020 |
| Oregon | $76,850 |
| Georgia | $75,920 |
See Occupational Therapy Assistant pay in every state or the Arizona statewide figures.
Related jobs in Tucson, AZ
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant | $65,220 | $31.36 |
| Physical Therapist Aide | $36,550 | $17.57 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $34,420 | $16.55 |
| Nursing Assistant | $42,560 | $20.46 |
| Medical Assistant | $44,380 | $21.34 |
| Dental Assistant | $47,510 | $22.84 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | $36,430 | $17.51 |
| Massage Therapist | $58,610 | $28.18 |
| Healthcare Support Workers, All Other | $53,100 | $25.53 |
| Medical Equipment Preparer | $44,610 | $21.45 |
| Phlebotomist | $46,200 | $22.21 |
| Pharmacy Aide | $39,570 | $19.02 |
| Medical Transcriptionist | $38,760 | $18.64 |
More: Healthcare Support Occupations · all salaries in Tucson, AZ
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 31-2011. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a occupational therapy assistant make in Tucson, AZ?
The median salary for occupational therapy assistants in the Tucson, AZ metro area is $71,480 a year, or $34.37 an hour. Pay ranges from $50,010 for the lowest-paid 10% to $80,200 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid occupational therapy assistants make in Tucson, AZ?
The top 10% of occupational therapy assistants in the Tucson, AZ metro area earn at least $80,200 a year. The top 25% earn $74,500 or more.
What is the starting pay for occupational therapy assistants in Tucson, AZ?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $50,010 a year, and a quarter of occupational therapy assistants earn $61,590 or less.
How many occupational therapy assistants work in Tucson, AZ?
About 160 occupational therapy assistants are employed in the Tucson, AZ metro area, not counting the self-employed.