Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in La Habra, CA: $40.28 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in La Habra, CA runs $40.28 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,791 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against La Habra's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.62 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,271 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in La Habra, California, are projected to earn a median hourly pay of $40.28 in 2026, significantly above the national hourly median of $35.74. This hourly rate supports a variety of work arrangements; for instance, part-time positions typically lasting three days a week may yield approximately $1,000 to $1,200 per week, providing a stable income for COTAs seeking a healthier work-life balance. The hourly pay range also accommodates entry-level assistants starting at about $28.82, while experienced practitioners can earn as much as $50.46 per hour. This range is crucial for those considering opportunities in various settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, and outpatient clinics, where pay can be reflective of the assistant's experience and the specific work environment.
About the La Habra 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) | $28.82 | $230.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.22 | $273.72 |
| Median (P50) | $40.28 | $322.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.64 | $357.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.46 | $403.67 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in La Habra
Based on $40.28/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.28/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in La Habra, CA can expect to earn approximately $83,784 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,337. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in La Habra.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in La Habra
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,611.24 | $6,982 | $83,784 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $966.74 | $4,189 | $50,271 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $644.50 | $2,793 | $33,514 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (La Habra) | $40.28 |
| 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 La Habra, CA earn a median of $83,791 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.73% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 3.40% below the California state average of $86,740.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.28/hr = $50,271/year (purchasing power: $44,448).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,784/year (purchasing power: $74,080).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$33.33/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.18/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.28/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in La Habra (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.33/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.11/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.82/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.18/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.28/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in La Habra grew 17.5% from $33.33/hr (2019) to $39.18/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.41/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 La Habra 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 La Habra
For part-time occupational therapy assistants working in La Habra, the reality of compensation often varies greatly when compared to full-time positions. A COTA working three days a week for a total of 24 hours would typically bring home about $52,000 annually, which is a respectable income but less than what full-time counterparts might earn. Those pursuing per diem roles often see hourly rates ranging from $30 to $45, which provides flexibility but may come with less job security and benefits. Notably, COTAs working under agency contracts, especially in skilled nursing facilities or home health settings, may face fluctuations due to recent decline in premium pay following reimbursement cuts. It's essential for assistants to weigh their hourly rate against benefits offered. Negotiating hourly pay can hinge on finding the right balance between base pay and benefits, making it an essential consideration when seeking employment in La Habra's varied healthcare settings.
More salary data for La Habra, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in La Habra in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in La Habra?
Are occupational therapy assistants in La Habra paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in La Habra?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in La Habra?
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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 La Habra. 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 La Habra 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