Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Corona, CA: $42.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Corona, CA runs $42.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $88,428 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Corona's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $37.59 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,055 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Corona, California, earn a median hourly rate of $42.51 in 2026, significantly outpacing the national median of $35.74. This competitive pay structure makes it feasible for part-time and per-diem COTAs to thrive in various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and home health visits. For part-time assistants working three days a week, this hourly rate can translate into a substantial income while allowing for flexibility. The hourly pay range for occupational therapy assistants in Corona spans from $28.73 for entry-level positions up to $55.65 for top earners, reflecting the wide array of experience and qualifications within the profession.
About the Corona 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) | $28.73 | $229.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.92 | $279.40 |
| Median (P50) | $42.51 | $340.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.79 | $366.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.65 | $445.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Corona
Based on $42.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.51/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Corona, CA can expect to earn approximately $88,425 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,014. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Corona.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Corona
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,700.48 | $7,369 | $88,425 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,020.29 | $4,421 | $53,055 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $680.19 | $2,947 | $35,370 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Corona) | $42.51 |
| 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 Corona, CA earn a median of $88,428 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.96% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 1.90% above the California state average of $86,779.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.51/hr = $53,055/year (purchasing power: $46,910).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $88,425/year (purchasing power: $78,183).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$35.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Corona (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.18/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.30/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.75/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.32/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.33/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.71/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Corona grew 17.5% from $35.18/hr (2019) to $41.35/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.71/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 Corona 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 Corona
Analyzing the financial landscape for occupational therapy assistants reveals intriguing potential for part-time work. An assistant working three days a week (approximately 24 hours) could realistically expect to take home a robust annual sum compared to their full-time counterparts, who typically handle more intensive caseloads. In addition, per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Corona can range from $30 to $45 per hour, with travel positions sometimes offering contracts between $1,100 and $1,700 weekly. However, many agency positions face downward pressure on premium pay due to prior Medicare reimbursement cuts. Hourly rates can also vary significantly depending on the employer type; those in skilled nursing facilities may accept lower rates for stability and benefits, whereas outpatient clinics might offer higher pay but with less security. For successful negotiations, understanding market rates and articulating the value of your unique skill set remains essential for any occupational therapy assistant navigating their career path in Corona.
More salary data for Corona, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Corona 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 Corona. 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 Corona 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