Occupational Therapy Assistant in Colorado: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Colorado employs 710 occupational therapy assistants, with a statewide median of $75,340 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Colorado licensing picture, and where to train.
What Occupational therapy assistants Earn in Colorado (May 2025)
- Colorado median pay
- $75,340 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $60,880
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $84,860
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $100,190
- Employed in Colorado
- 710
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $68,340 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for occupational therapy assistants in major Colorado markets:
- Boulder
- $84,860 (50 employed)
- Denver
- $76,980 (340 employed)
- Colorado Springs
- $74,700 (140 employed)
- Fort Collins
- $71,570
What That Pay Is Worth in Colorado
Prices in Colorado run about 3% above the national average (cost-of-living index 103.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $75,340 median is worth closer to $73,075 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Colorado (2024–2034)
Colorado is projected to grow occupational therapy assistants employment +31.3%, faster than the +19.3% projected nationally. The state expects about 150 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Colorado License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) — regulated by the Colorado Office of Occupational Therapy (DORA).
- Earn an ACOTE-accredited OTA associate degree.
- Pass the NBCOT certification exam to become a COTA.
- Apply to DORA for licensure (OTAs have been licensed in Colorado since 2014).
Official requirements: Colorado Office of Occupational Therapy (DORA) →
Training in Colorado
Strong demand in pediatrics, rehab, and senior care. Confirm ACOTE accreditation and fieldwork placements before enrolling.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Colorado include:
- Aims Community College — Associate
- Arapahoe Community College — Associate
- Colorado Mesa University — Associate
- Colorado Mountain College — Associate
Where Occupational therapy assistants Work in Colorado
Real Colorado outpatient rehab clinics that employ occupational therapy assistants include:
- Valley Wide Health Systems — Alamosa
- Ageility Physical Therapy Solutions at Dayton Plac — Aurora
- Select Physical Therapy of Denver — Aurora
- Caring Hands Rehabilitation — Canon City
- Select Physical Therapy - 50831 — Centennial
- Nursing and Therapy Services of Colorado Inc — Colorado Springs
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: Patient, practical people who enjoy helping others rebuild daily-life skills.
Think twice if: You want independent desk work or dislike clinical documentation.
Why it's resilient: Occupational therapy support blends hands-on care, adaptation, human context, and patient motivation.
First Steps
Find ACOTE-accredited OTA programs and review fieldwork requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Colorado?
The median wage for occupational therapy assistants in Colorado is $75,340 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $60,880, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $100,190. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Occupational Therapy Assistant in Colorado?
Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA), overseen by the Colorado Office of Occupational Therapy (DORA). Earn an ACOTE-accredited OTA associate degree.
Is being an Occupational Therapy Assistant a good career in Colorado?
Occupational therapy support blends hands-on care, adaptation, human context, and patient motivation.
Which Colorado metros pay occupational therapy assistants the most?
Among Colorado metro areas, Boulder leads at $84,860, followed by Denver ($76,980), Colorado Springs ($74,700). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become an Occupational Therapy Assistant in Colorado?
Real Colorado options include Aims Community College, Arapahoe Community College, Colorado Mesa University. Most occupational therapy assistants start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Occupational Therapy Assistant a growing career in Colorado?
Colorado projects occupational therapy assistants employment to change +31.3% from 2024 to 2034, with about 150 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Colorado statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-2011. Licensing summary compiled from the Colorado Office of Occupational Therapy (DORA) (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Colorado wages · Colorado licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.