Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Fairfield, CA: $43.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Fairfield, CA runs $43.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $89,465 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Fairfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $38.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,684 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fairfield, California, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is a notable $43.02, significantly higher than the national median hourly rate of $35.74. This compelling rate reflects the demand for skilled COTAs in various settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, outpatient clinics, and schools. For part-time workers maintaining a schedule of three days a week, or those in per-diem roles, this level of pay can translate into substantial earnings. A typical entry-level occupational therapy assistant can earn around $29.87 per hour, while those at the top of their game can command as much as $52.98 per hour depending on experience and workplace dynamics, offering ample opportunity for advancement and higher earnings in this profession.
About the Fairfield 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) | $29.87 | $238.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.93 | $287.46 |
| Median (P50) | $43.02 | $344.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.96 | $375.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.98 | $423.82 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fairfield
Based on $43.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.02/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fairfield, CA can expect to earn approximately $89,473 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,619. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fairfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fairfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,720.63 | $7,456 | $89,473 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,032.38 | $4,474 | $53,684 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $688.25 | $2,982 | $35,789 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Fairfield) | $43.02 |
| 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 Fairfield, CA earn a median of $89,465 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.36% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 3.10% above the California state average of $86,775.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.02/hr = $53,684/year (purchasing power: $47,466).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $89,473/year (purchasing power: $79,109).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$35.60/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.02/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Fairfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.60/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.78/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.85/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.22/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Fairfield grew 17.5% from $35.60/hr (2019) to $41.84/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.22/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 Fairfield 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 Fairfield
Focusing on part-time earning potential, an occupational therapy assistant working 24 hours weekly could take home a substantial income, though it would still pale in comparison to full-time salaries. Per-diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Fairfield usually ranges between $30 to $45 per hour, making this option appealing for those seeking flexible work arrangements. However, professionals in this field are also noticing a shift in payer policies, especially with the 15% Medicare cut affecting reimbursement rates. This change has driven some COTAs to seek agency work, where travel contracts can offer weekly earnings of $1,100 to $1,700, and a premium for skilled nursing facility roles may have declined recently. Hourly rates vary widely based on employer types, impacting COTAs differently across Fairfield. Some assistants might pick positions with lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others may prioritize higher pay without benefits. For successful negotiations, COTAs are encouraged to research local pay scales and articulate their value effectively, giving them leverage in discussions about occupational therapy assistant hourly rate CA.
More salary data for Fairfield, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Fairfield in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Fairfield?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Fairfield paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Fairfield?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Fairfield?
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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 Fairfield. 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 Fairfield 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