Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Garden Grove, CA: $42.67 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Garden Grove, CA runs $42.67 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $88,736 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Garden Grove's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $37.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,247 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Garden Grove, California, occupational therapy assistants earn a median hourly rate of $42.67, significantly higher than the national median of $35.74. This competitive pay reflects the demand for skilled professionals in settings such as skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and home health care. Part-time workers, typically scheduled for three days a week, can expect a steady income while benefiting from flexible hours. The hourly earnings for entry-level positions start around $28.93, with more experienced assistants reaching up to $53.52. This broad pay range indicates the importance of experience and specialization in determining compensation, illustrating the lucrative opportunities for those willing to develop their skills as they advance in the profession.
About the Garden Grove 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) | $28.93 | $231.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.22 | $281.78 |
| Median (P50) | $42.67 | $341.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.06 | $376.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.52 | $428.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Garden Grove
Based on $42.67/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.67/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Garden Grove, CA can expect to earn approximately $88,746 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,199. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Garden Grove.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Garden Grove
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,706.65 | $7,395 | $88,746 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,023.99 | $4,437 | $53,247 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $682.66 | $2,958 | $35,498 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Garden Grove) | $42.67 |
| 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 Garden Grove, CA earn a median of $88,736 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.38% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 2.30% above the California state average of $86,741.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.67/hr = $53,247/year (purchasing power: $47,080).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $88,746/year (purchasing power: $78,466).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$35.31/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.67/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Garden Grove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.31/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.49/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.67/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Garden Grove grew 17.5% from $35.31/hr (2019) to $41.50/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.87/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 Garden Grove 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 Garden Grove
Part-time occupational therapy assistants working 24 hours a week can earn a substantial income, amounting to around $53,018 annually, compared to their full-time peers, who make about $88,736 yearly based on full schedules. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Garden Grove varies, with many billing between $30 to $45 per hour, while travel contracts for COTAs can yield weekly earnings of $1,100 to $1,700. It's essential to recognize that hourly rates differ depending on the employer, with skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab centers, and school district contracts presenting varying pay structures. Some occupational therapy assistants might accept lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others prioritize higher pay without benefits, especially in agency roles. Negotiation is key in this environment; understanding the pay landscape specific to Garden Grove can empower professionals to secure compensation that reflects their skills and contributions effectively.
More salary data for Garden Grove, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Garden Grove in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Garden Grove?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Garden Grove paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Garden Grove?
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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 Garden Grove. 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 Garden Grove 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