Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Brentwood, CA: $41.62 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Brentwood, CA runs $41.62 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,554 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Brentwood's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.80 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,939 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Brentwood, California, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected to be $41.62 in 2026, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $35.74. This competitive rate provides flexibility for part-time workers, such as those on a three-day workweek, allowing them to earn a considerable income while balancing other commitments. Per-diem positions within various settings like skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, and outpatient clinics also benefit from this pay structure, enabling professionals to adapt their schedules as necessary. The hourly pay ranges from $28.62 at the 10th percentile to $53.41 at the 90th percentile, giving entry-level occupants the opportunity to progress into higher-paying roles as they gain experience and certification.
About the Brentwood Market
Salary estimated from California average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28.62 | $228.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.45 | $275.61 |
| Median (P50) | $41.62 | $332.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.21 | $361.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.41 | $427.28 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Brentwood
Based on $41.62/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.62/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Brentwood, CA can expect to earn approximately $86,564 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,941. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Brentwood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Brentwood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,664.70 | $7,214 | $86,564 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $998.82 | $4,328 | $51,939 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $665.88 | $2,885 | $34,626 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Brentwood) | $41.62 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Brentwood, CA earn a median of $86,554 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.44% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 0.30% below the California state average of $86,814.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.62/hr = $51,939/year (purchasing power: $45,923).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,564/year (purchasing power: $76,538).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$34.44/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.48/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.62/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Brentwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.44/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.24/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.56/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.97/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.39/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.48/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.62/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.79/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Brentwood grew 17.5% from $34.44/hr (2019) to $40.48/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.79/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapy assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brentwood metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.81% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapy Assistant in Brentwood
For occupational therapy assistants working part-time, the annual earnings can be quite different compared to full-time hours. Working 24 hours a week, one might anticipate annual earnings that reflect a solid income, yet it typically does not match the potential of full-time counterparts. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Brentwood varies, with many COTAs billing between $30 and $45 per hour. Travel contracts in this field may offer $1,100 to $1,700 per week, further illustrating the varied opportunities available. Different employers, including skilled nursing facilities, schools, and outpatient centers, can impact hourly rates significantly. For some, opting for lower hourly wages may come with comprehensive benefits, which can be crucial for those balancing healthcare costs. Negotiating compensation in Brentwood necessitates a clear understanding of local rates and benefits, helping workers find the right balance for their unique financial needs.
More salary data for Brentwood, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Brentwood in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Brentwood?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Brentwood paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Brentwood?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Brentwood?
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Written by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as an occupational therapist. Their specialty is working with children with developmental disorders. They have worked in various healthcare settings including schools and rehabilitation facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapy assistants in Brentwood. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brentwood is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.81%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapy assistants (SOC 31-2011).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapy assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov