Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Lake Forest, CA: $40.96 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Lake Forest, CA runs $40.96 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $85,192 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Lake Forest's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,117 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lake Forest, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay stands at a median of $40.96, which exceeds the national hourly median of $35.74 by a notable margin. This competitive rate offers substantial opportunities not only for full-time professionals but also for part-time and per-diem workers. A typical part-time schedule of three days a week provides a steady income while allowing for flexible hours, catering to those who might be balancing other responsibilities. Per-diem occupational therapy assistants work primarily in skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, outpatient clinics, and even home health visits, where they can expect to earn between $30.25 and $51.28 per hour, depending on experience and specific workplace environments. The range signifies a generous starting point for newcomers as they grow in the profession, while top earners can significantly affect their overall income by selecting specialty areas or higher-paying settings.
About the Lake Forest 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) | $30.25 | $241.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.69 | $277.50 |
| Median (P50) | $40.96 | $327.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.28 | $362.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.28 | $410.25 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lake Forest
Based on $40.96/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.96/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lake Forest, CA can expect to earn approximately $85,196 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,151. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lake Forest.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lake Forest
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,638.38 | $7,100 | $85,196 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $983.03 | $4,260 | $51,117 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $655.35 | $2,840 | $34,078 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Lake Forest) | $40.96 |
| 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 Lake Forest, CA earn a median of $85,192 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.61% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 1.80% below the California state average of $86,754.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.96/hr = $51,117/year (purchasing power: $45,197).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $85,196/year (purchasing power: $75,328).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$33.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.96/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Lake Forest (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.68/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.96/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.11/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Lake Forest grew 17.5% from $33.89/hr (2019) to $39.84/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.11/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 Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest
For occupational therapy assistants in Lake Forest, the earnings from a part-time position can be quite lucrative, where a 24-hour workweek translates to an annual income significantly lower than that of their full-time counterparts, yet still viable for those seeking balance. Per diem opportunities often present a varied compensation structure; professionals in this role typically earn between $30 and $45 an hour, depending on the agency, while traveling contracts may yield $1,100 to $1,700 weekly. However, it's common for skilled nursing facilities and outpatient care environments to experience pressure from the recent 15% Medicare Part B cuts, which could affect COTA pay. Additionally, preference among professionals for certain employer types may be influenced by the availability of benefits, with some opting for lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance. For those starting conversations about pay, it is advisable to research typical compensation in Lake Forest and ensure they advocate effectively for their worth, taking into account Earning potential aligned with their specific setting.
More salary data for Lake Forest, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Lake Forest in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Lake Forest?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Lake Forest paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Lake Forest?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Lake Forest?
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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 Lake Forest. 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 Lake Forest 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