Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Buena Park, CA: $42.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Buena Park, CA runs $42.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $87,873 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Buena Park's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $37.35 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,721 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Buena Park, California, the median hourly pay for an occupational therapy assistant (COTA) is projected to be $42.24 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $35.74. This attractive hourly rate makes Buena Park an appealing location for both full-time and part-time professionals in the field. For those working part-time—such as in a skilled nursing facility or outpatient clinic—this equates to approximately $1,696 weekly on a standard three-day work schedule. Entry-level COTAs can expect to earn around $30.10, while more experienced professionals may see salaries reaching $51.30 per hour. These estimates reflect potential earnings for COTAs working in varied settings, from hospital rehab units to home health visits, acknowledging that hourly rates are derived from the projected salary data.
About the Buena Park 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) | $30.10 | $240.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.76 | $286.06 |
| Median (P50) | $42.24 | $337.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.75 | $366.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.30 | $410.42 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Buena Park
Based on $42.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.24/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Buena Park, CA can expect to earn approximately $87,869 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,694. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Buena Park.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Buena Park
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,689.79 | $7,322 | $87,869 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,013.87 | $4,393 | $52,721 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $675.91 | $2,929 | $35,148 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Buena Park) | $42.24 |
| 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 Buena Park, CA earn a median of $87,873 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.22% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 1.30% above the California state average of $86,745.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.24/hr = $52,721/year (purchasing power: $46,615).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $87,869/year (purchasing power: $77,691).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$34.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.24/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Buena Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.05/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Buena Park grew 17.5% from $34.96/hr (2019) to $41.09/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.43/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 Buena Park 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 Buena Park
When examining part-time positions for occupational therapy assistants in Buena Park, those working 24 hours a week can anticipate an annual income of around $52,903, whereas full-time counterparts could earn significantly more. Per diem and agency COTAs often have different experiences, with billing typically in the neighborhood of $30 to $45 per hour, and travel contracts can yield impressive weekly rates between $1,100 and $1,700. However, the pay landscape is shifting due to recent changes such as the 15% Medicare Part B cuts implemented in 2022, leading some skilled nursing facilities to offer lower rates. Position and employer type greatly influence pay, with outpatient clinics and home health agencies often providing competitive hourly rates, albeit usually without benefits. For occupational therapy assistants negotiating their hourly pay, understanding the trade-offs between choosing higher rates without health insurance and lower rates with benefits is essential for long-term financial planning.
More salary data for Buena Park, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Buena Park in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Buena Park?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Buena Park paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Buena Park?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Buena Park?
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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 Buena Park. 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 Buena Park 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