Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Jurupa Valley, CA: $41.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Jurupa Valley, CA runs $41.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,998 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Jurupa Valley's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,195 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, occupational therapy assistants in Jurupa Valley, CA, are projected to earn a median hourly pay of $41.82, significantly higher than the national median hourly rate of $35.74. This competitive pay structure accommodates various working arrangements, making it an attractive option for part-time professionals and per-diem workers in settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, and outpatient clinics. Occupational therapy assistants in entry-level positions can expect to earn around $30.47 per hour, while experienced professionals may reach rates of up to $53.38 per hour. Given these estimates derived from annual salary data, occupational therapy assistant hourly pay in Jurupa Valley positions itself favorably against many other careers in the region.
About the Jurupa Valley 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) | $30.47 | $243.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.12 | $280.96 |
| Median (P50) | $41.82 | $334.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.78 | $374.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.38 | $427.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Jurupa Valley
Based on $41.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.82/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Jurupa Valley, CA can expect to earn approximately $86,992 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,188. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Jurupa Valley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Jurupa Valley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,672.92 | $7,249 | $86,992 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,003.75 | $4,350 | $52,195 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $669.17 | $2,900 | $34,797 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Jurupa Valley) | $41.82 |
| 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 Jurupa Valley, CA earn a median of $86,998 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.04% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 0.30% above the California state average of $86,738.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.82/hr = $52,195/year (purchasing power: $46,150).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,992/year (purchasing power: $76,916).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$34.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.68/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Jurupa Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.61/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.73/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.15/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.70/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.61/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.68/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.00/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Jurupa Valley grew 17.5% from $34.61/hr (2019) to $40.68/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.00/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 Jurupa Valley 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 Jurupa Valley
For occupational therapy assistants willing to work part-time, the financial outlook can be quite varied. A three-day work week (approximately 24 hours) would yield around $49,300 annually, which is manageable, but could be a considerable drop in income compared to a full-time schedule. Per diem and agency roles provide another avenue for income, with typical billing rates ranging from $30 to $45 per hour, and travel contracts offering enticing weekly earnings of $1,100 to $1,700. In Jurupa Valley, pay can fluctuate based on the employer; for instance, skilled nursing facilities might offer lower rates after recent reimbursement cuts. Some professionals may opt for higher hourly pay rates with limited benefits but review options that include health packages which are vital for long-term security. Negotiating for better hourly wages could hinge on one's specialization or experience level, aligning with local market demands shaped by recent changes in Medicare reimbursement strategies.
More salary data for Jurupa Valley, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Jurupa Valley in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Jurupa Valley?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Jurupa Valley paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Jurupa Valley?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Jurupa Valley?
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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 Jurupa Valley. 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 Jurupa Valley 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