Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in El Monte, CA: $42.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in El Monte, CA runs $42.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $89,031 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against El Monte's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $37.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,414 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in El Monte, California, earn a median hourly pay of $42.80, which is significantly above the national median hourly pay of $35.74. This higher rate reflects both the cost of living in the area and the specialized skills required for this profession. For part-time workers, typically employed three days a week, this translates to approximately $1,366 per week based on a standard 32-hour schedule. This compensation can be attractive for those looking to support themselves while working in a variety of settings, including skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, or providing home health visits. The hourly pay range varies, with entry-level positions starting at about $29.42 and experienced professionals earning up to $54.00 per hour, providing a clear path for growth in this role.
About the El Monte 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) | $29.42 | $235.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.51 | $284.08 |
| Median (P50) | $42.80 | $342.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.40 | $379.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.00 | $431.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in El Monte
Based on $42.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.80/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in El Monte, CA can expect to earn approximately $89,024 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,360. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in El Monte.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in El Monte
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,711.99 | $7,419 | $89,024 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,027.20 | $4,451 | $53,414 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $684.80 | $2,967 | $35,609 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (El Monte) | $42.80 |
| 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 El Monte, CA earn a median of $89,031 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.77% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 2.60% above the California state average of $86,775.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.80/hr = $53,414/year (purchasing power: $47,227).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $89,024/year (purchasing power: $78,712).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$35.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.63/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.80/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in El Monte (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.24/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.99/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.58/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.63/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.00/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in El Monte grew 17.5% from $35.42/hr (2019) to $41.63/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.00/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 El Monte 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 El Monte
When examining the economic realities for part-time occupational therapy assistants in El Monte, it becomes evident that their annual earnings can differ dramatically depending on their work schedules and employment types. A part-time OTA working 24 hours a week could anticipate an annual income around $40,000, while a full-time position could yield upwards of $89,031. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in El Monte typically ranges between $30-$45 an hour, with agency or travel positions offering premiums that can bring weekly earnings to between $1,100 and $1,700, especially post-2022 reimbursement adjustments. Notably, hourly pay can fluctuate across different employer types; skilled nursing facilities and school districts often offer steadier employment but may come with lower hourly rates compared to travel contracts or outpatient clinics. Many assistants weigh the benefits of health insurance against higher hourly wages without benefits. To negotiate effectively, prospective OTAs should research local salary standards, emphasize relevant experience, and consider unique skills or certifications that may warrant a higher pay rate.
More salary data for El Monte, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in El Monte 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 El Monte. 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 El Monte 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