Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Hanford, CA: $40.58 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Hanford, CA runs $40.58 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $84,396 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Hanford's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,643 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hanford, California, the projected hourly pay for an Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) in 2026 is estimated at $40.58, offering a notable 13.54% increase over the national median hourly rate of $35.74. This competitive pay scale is particularly beneficial for part-time professionals working three days a week, who can earn a substantial income even while maintaining a flexible schedule in various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, hospital rehab units, and home health visits. For those entering the field, hourly earnings can start at around $29.49, reaching up to $49.91 for the highest earners. It's essential to understand that these hourly rates are derived from annual salary projections, giving a clear indication of the earning potential for both full-time and per-diem practice.
About the Hanford 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) | $29.49 | $235.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.80 | $278.41 |
| Median (P50) | $40.58 | $324.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.41 | $355.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.91 | $399.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hanford
Based on $40.58/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.58/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hanford, CA can expect to earn approximately $84,405 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,695. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Hanford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hanford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,623.16 | $7,034 | $84,405 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $973.90 | $4,220 | $50,643 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $649.27 | $2,813 | $33,762 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Hanford) | $40.58 |
| 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 Hanford, CA earn a median of $84,396 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.54% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 2.70% below the California state average of $86,738.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.58/hr = $50,643/year (purchasing power: $44,777).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $84,405/year (purchasing power: $74,628).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$33.58/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.58/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Hanford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.58/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.36/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.58/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.31/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.58/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Hanford grew 17.5% from $33.58/hr (2019) to $39.47/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.72/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 Hanford 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 Hanford
For part-time occupational therapy assistants working 24 hours a week, their annual take-home pay can provide a decent living, though it's less than what full-time professionals make. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Hanford often ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, offering flexibility but varying expectations in earnings. Travel contracts for occupational therapy assistants bring in between $1,100 and $1,700 per week, although the recent 15% Medicare cut has affected compensation rates in skilled nursing facilities and outpatient sectors. Hourly rates also fluctuate depending on the employer type; COTAs in school districts may earn differently compared to those in home health or early intervention programs. As a result, many COTAs weigh the benefits of receiving lower hourly rates with insurance against higher pay without benefits. For those negotiating offers, emphasizing unique skills and certifications can create leverage in discussions about pay structures in Hanford, CA.
More salary data for Hanford, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Hanford in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Hanford?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Hanford paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Hanford?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Hanford?
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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 Hanford. 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 Hanford 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