Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Chino, CA: $42.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Chino, CA runs $42.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $87,735 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Chino's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $37.30 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,644 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Chino, CA, earn a median hourly pay of $42.18, significantly above the national hourly median of $35.74. For part-time professionals working three days a week, approximately 24 hours total, this equates to a substantial income that can support flexible working arrangements. Per-diem roles in this field, often found in skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and other therapeutic settings, present varied opportunities for earnings ranging from $29.90 at entry-level positions to $50.97 for top earners. These hourly figures are estimated from annual salary projections, reflecting the potential financial impact of pursuing a career within the diverse environments in which occupational therapy assistants operate.
About the Chino 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) | $29.90 | $239.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.61 | $284.91 |
| Median (P50) | $42.18 | $337.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.63 | $365.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.97 | $407.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chino
Based on $42.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.18/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chino, CA can expect to earn approximately $87,741 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,620. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chino.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chino
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,687.32 | $7,312 | $87,741 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,012.39 | $4,387 | $52,644 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $674.93 | $2,925 | $35,096 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Chino) | $42.18 |
| 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 Chino, CA earn a median of $87,735 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.03% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 1.10% above the California state average of $86,780.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.18/hr = $52,644/year (purchasing power: $46,547).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $87,741/year (purchasing power: $77,578).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$34.91/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Chino (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.91/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.03/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.37/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Chino grew 17.5% from $34.91/hr (2019) to $41.03/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.37/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 Chino 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 Chino
When considering the financial landscape of those working as occupational therapy assistants in Chino, the earning potential for part-time employees compared to full-time peers is noteworthy. A part-time occupational therapy assistant could expect to take home significantly less when calculating an annual income, as they often do not meet the hours required for full benefits. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Chino can vary, with typical rates ranging from $30 to $45 per hour; however, travel contracts can offer more lucrative weekly amounts, between $1,100 and $1,700, depending on the specific terms. Employers such as skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics can present differing pay scales tailored to their operational needs. While some occupational therapy assistants may accept lower hourly rates for the trade-off of benefits, others may choose higher pay with fewer perks. When negotiating within this sector, it’s beneficial to understand the distinct advantages offered by various employer types in Chino, allowing COTAs to make informed decisions regarding their career paths and financial goals.
More salary data for Chino, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Chino in 2026?
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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 Chino. 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 Chino 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