Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Camarillo, CA: $40.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Camarillo, CA runs $40.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $84,031 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Camarillo's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,425 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Camarillo, California, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected to be $40.40 in 2026, significantly higher than the national figure of $35.74. This robust hourly rate translates well for professionals looking to work part-time in various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, and outpatient clinics, allowing for a stable income while pursuing flexibility. With an hourly range extending from $29.13 for entry-level positions to $49.48 for the most experienced practitioners, there are diverse opportunities available for COTAs in this region. The data suggests that even a part-time schedule, such as three days a week, could offer a competitive living, enabling workers to balance professional responsibilities with personal commitments while earning a commendable hourly wage.
About the Camarillo 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) | $29.13 | $233.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.56 | $268.46 |
| Median (P50) | $40.40 | $323.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.00 | $352.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.48 | $395.86 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Camarillo
Based on $40.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.40/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Camarillo, CA can expect to earn approximately $84,041 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,485. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Camarillo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Camarillo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,616.17 | $7,003 | $84,041 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $969.70 | $4,202 | $50,425 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $646.47 | $2,801 | $33,616 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Camarillo) | $40.40 |
| 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 Camarillo, CA earn a median of $84,031 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.05% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 3.20% below the California state average of $86,809.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.40/hr = $50,425/year (purchasing power: $44,584).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $84,041/year (purchasing power: $74,307).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$33.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Camarillo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.42/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.13/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.54/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Camarillo grew 17.5% from $33.43/hr (2019) to $39.30/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.54/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 Camarillo 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 Camarillo
For COTAs considering part-time employment, working 24 hours a week can yield an annual income considerably less than a full-time position. While full-time occupational therapy assistants may take home a more substantial annual salary, part-time workers can customize their schedules according to their needs. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Camarillo can range from $30 to $45 per hour, often appealing to those seeking flexibility. However, per diem roles, travel contracts, or agency positions, especially in skilled nursing facilities, may provide varying rates of compensation; some might experience lower premium pay following reimbursement cuts implemented in 2022. Occupational therapy assistants must weigh the benefits of positions that offer health insurance against those with higher hourly wages but without additional benefits. Negotiation skills can be crucial in this setting, enabling practitioners to secure optimal pay while balancing the demands of the profession and necessary support for their well-being.
More salary data for Camarillo, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Camarillo in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Camarillo?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Camarillo paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Camarillo?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Camarillo?
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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 Camarillo. 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 Camarillo 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