Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Compton, CA: $41.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Compton, CA runs $41.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $85,942 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Compton's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,567 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Compton, California, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected to be $41.32 in 2026, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $35.74. This competitive rate translates well for part-time and per-diem workers in diverse settings like skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, and home health visits. For those working three days a week, this earnings potential means more flexibility and the ability to prioritize work-life balance while still securing a reliable income. Entry-level occupational therapy assistants can expect to earn around $27.91, while more experienced professionals might achieve rates up to $49.72 hourly. These numbers highlight the opportunities available within the field, but it's crucial to remember that these estimates are derived from annual salary data, which reflects hourly earnings across a variety of roles within the profession.
About the Compton 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) | $27.91 | $223.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.33 | $290.66 |
| Median (P50) | $41.32 | $330.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.56 | $356.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.72 | $397.75 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Compton
Based on $41.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.32/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Compton, CA can expect to earn approximately $85,944 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,583. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Compton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Compton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,652.77 | $7,162 | $85,944 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $991.66 | $4,297 | $51,567 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $661.11 | $2,865 | $34,378 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Compton) | $41.32 |
| 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 Compton, CA earn a median of $85,942 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.62% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 1.00% below the California state average of $86,810.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.32/hr = $51,567/year (purchasing power: $45,594).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $85,944/year (purchasing power: $75,990).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$34.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Compton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.99/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.72/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.25/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Compton grew 17.5% from $34.19/hr (2019) to $40.19/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.48/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 Compton 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 Compton
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Considering part-time earnings, a COTA working three days a week (24 hours) in Compton can expect to take home approximately $51,068 annually, in comparison to a full-time assistant earning about $85,942 each year. The realities of per-diem work fluctuate as well; per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Compton typically ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, while travel contracts can yield between $1,100 and $1,700 weekly. Rates can differ significantly based on the employer type, with skilled nursing facilities, hospital inpatient rehab settings, and outpatient clinics offering various levels of compensation. Some occupational therapy assistants may choose lower-paying jobs with benefits, creating a trade-off between hourly wages and overall job security. For COTAs working in Compton, negotiating for better hourly rates can be vital, especially in light of ongoing challenges such as the 15% Medicare cut affecting OTA-reimbursed services. Understanding the nuances of compensation across different settings will aid in making informed decisions throughout their careers.
More salary data for Compton, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Compton in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Compton?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Compton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Compton?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Compton?
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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 Compton. 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 Compton 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