Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Hawthorne, CA: $41.22 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Hawthorne, CA runs $41.22 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $85,735 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Hawthorne's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,438 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay in Hawthorne, California is projected to be $41.22, significantly higher than the national median of $35.74. This competitive rate is indicative of the region’s demand for skilled professionals in various settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, school districts, outpatient clinics, and home health services. For part-time workers, such as those on a three-day-a-week schedule, this translates to a robust hourly compensation that effectively supports a flexible work-life balance. Entry-level occupational therapy assistants can begin earning at $27.73 per hour, while more experienced practitioners could see rates climbing to $49.50, making this field accessible yet rewarding for those willing to advance their skills and knowledge.
About the Hawthorne 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) | $27.73 | $221.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.13 | $289.02 |
| Median (P50) | $41.22 | $329.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.30 | $354.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.50 | $396.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hawthorne
Based on $41.22/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.22/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hawthorne, CA can expect to earn approximately $85,730 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,460. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Hawthorne.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hawthorne
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,648.66 | $7,144 | $85,730 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $989.20 | $4,287 | $51,438 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $659.46 | $2,858 | $34,292 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Hawthorne) | $41.22 |
| 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 Hawthorne, CA earn a median of $85,735 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.34% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 1.20% below the California state average of $86,777.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.22/hr = $51,438/year (purchasing power: $45,480).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $85,730/year (purchasing power: $75,801).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$34.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.22/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Hawthorne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.11/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.22/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.37/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Hawthorne grew 17.5% from $34.11/hr (2019) to $40.09/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.37/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 Hawthorne 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 Hawthorne
Considering the part-time potential, a 24-hour weekly commitment can yield nearly $52,000 annually, providing a solid income compared to full-time roles. Additionally, many professionals within this sector engage in per diem positions, where hourly wages range from $30 to $45, depending on agency standards and individual qualifications. The compensation landscape varies across different employer types in Hawthorne, with skilled nursing facilities often offering lower rates than outpatient clinics, yet providing substantial benefits that some may prioritize. With the evolving market, especially post-2022 reimbursement cut impacting Medicare rates for occupational therapy services, professionals could negotiate their pay based on their desired balance between compensation and benefits. Keeping abreast of industry trends and understanding local hiring practices can be crucial for COTAs in maximizing their pay and career satisfaction in this dynamic environment.
More salary data for Hawthorne, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Hawthorne. 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 Hawthorne 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