Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Inglewood, CA: $42.56 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Inglewood, CA runs $42.56 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $88,540 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Inglewood's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $37.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,119 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Inglewood, California, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay reaches a median of $42.56, significantly surpassing the national average of $35.74. This competitive rate is beneficial for those seeking part-time or per-diem work in diverse settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and schools. For part-time workers clocking in three days a week, the hourly rate translates into flexible opportunities, allowing individuals to balance their professional and personal lives effectively. Entry-level positions might start at $28.89, while seasoned practitioners can earn up to $55.97, illustrating the varied earning potential across the field. These hourly rates are derived from annual salary data, indicating a strong market for COTAs within the local healthcare community.
About the Inglewood 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) | $28.89 | $231.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.03 | $280.22 |
| Median (P50) | $42.56 | $340.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.90 | $367.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.97 | $447.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Inglewood
Based on $42.56/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.56/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Inglewood, CA can expect to earn approximately $88,532 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,076. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Inglewood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Inglewood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,702.53 | $7,378 | $88,532 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,021.52 | $4,427 | $53,119 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $681.01 | $2,951 | $35,413 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Inglewood) | $42.56 |
| 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 Inglewood, CA earn a median of $88,540 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.11% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 2.00% above the California state average of $86,804.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.56/hr = $53,119/year (purchasing power: $46,966).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $88,532/year (purchasing power: $78,277).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$35.22/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.56/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Inglewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.22/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.04/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.39/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.56/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.76/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Inglewood grew 17.5% from $35.22/hr (2019) to $41.40/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.76/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 Inglewood 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 Inglewood
Part-time occupational therapy assistants in Inglewood, working a 24-hour week, gross an annual income of approximately $53,569, a notable sum considering the implications of reduced hours. Per-diem occupational therapy assistant pay in the region often fluctuates between $30 and $45 per hour, with travel contracts allowing therapists to earn upwards of $1,100 to $1,700 per week. However, the recent 15% reimbursement cut for OTA services has influenced how skilled nursing facilities and outpatient setups compensate their staff, pushing agencies to offer lower rates than in previous years. Variability in hourly wages also occurs based on employer type; for example, positions in hospitals or school districts typically provide more benefits compared to outpatient roles that may offer higher pay yet lack insurance coverage. When negotiating pay in Inglewood, occupational therapy assistants should emphasize the added value they bring through their diverse skill set while weighing the benefits of stability versus higher hourly rates without health insurance.
More salary data for Inglewood, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Inglewood in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Inglewood?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Inglewood paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Inglewood?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Inglewood?
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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 Inglewood. 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 Inglewood 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