Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Huntington Beach, CA: $41.86 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Huntington Beach, CA runs $41.86 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $87,075 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Huntington Beach's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $37.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,247 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The projected occupational therapy assistant hourly pay in Huntington Beach, CA, is $41.86, significantly higher than the national median hourly rate of $35.74. This competitive hourly figure suggests strong earning potential, especially for part-time workers. For instance, a COTA working three days a week can expect to take home a notable amount, while per-diem positions in settings like skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, or outpatient clinics could offer consistent shifts and valuable experience. The hourly range for occupational therapy assistants in this area spans from $30.56 for entry-level practitioners to $55.07 for top earners, allowing for a wide array of income possibilities based on experience and setting.
About the Huntington Beach 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) | $30.56 | $244.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.11 | $288.85 |
| Median (P50) | $41.86 | $334.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.25 | $361.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.07 | $440.52 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Huntington Beach
Based on $41.86/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.86/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Huntington Beach, CA can expect to earn approximately $87,078 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,237. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Huntington Beach.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Huntington Beach
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,674.57 | $7,256 | $87,078 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,004.74 | $4,354 | $52,247 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $669.83 | $2,903 | $34,831 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Huntington Beach) | $41.86 |
| 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 Huntington Beach, CA earn a median of $87,075 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.14% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 0.30% above the California state average of $86,814.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.86/hr = $52,247/year (purchasing power: $46,195).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $87,078/year (purchasing power: $76,992).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$34.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.86/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Huntington Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.64/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.45/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.77/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.74/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.86/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.04/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Huntington Beach grew 17.5% from $34.64/hr (2019) to $40.72/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.04/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 Huntington Beach 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 Huntington Beach
Examining the earnings of a part-time COTA reveals some compelling figures; for someone working 24 hours a week, the annual take-home can be substantial. Many per-diem occupational therapy assistants in Huntington Beach may range from $30 to $45 per hour, depending on their specific roles or additional responsibilities. However, variations in pay can arise based on the employer type. For instance, those in skilled nursing facilities may receive lower than average pay compared to outpatient clinics or schools, where contracts might provide better financial packages. The effects of the 15% Medicare cut on OTA provisions also contribute to differences in pay scales. Consequently, occupational therapy assistants must weigh the benefits of health insurance with potentially lower hourly wages against higher per-hour pay with no benefits. Negotiating hourly rates can be crucial in this context; highlighting prior experience or specialized certifications can effectively bolster one's bargaining power in Huntington Beach's competitive job market.
More salary data for Huntington Beach, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Huntington Beach in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Huntington Beach?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Huntington Beach paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Huntington Beach?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Huntington Beach?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 Huntington Beach. 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 Huntington Beach 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