Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Lodi, CA: $41.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Lodi, CA runs $41.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $85,574 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Lodi's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.38 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,348 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lodi, California, the projected 2026 occupational therapy assistant hourly pay stands at $41.14, significantly above the national median of $35.74. This hourly rate opens various opportunities for both part-time employees and per-diem workers across diverse settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, and outpatient clinics. With a pay range that spans from $30.14 for entry-level positions to $50.92 for top earners, COTAs in Lodi can find roles that align not only with their professional skills but also with their desired work-life balance. Hourly estimates, derived from annual salary data, indicate that practitioners have the potential to earn competitive wages and work flexible schedules that suit their lifestyles.
About the Lodi 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) | $30.14 | $241.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.47 | $283.76 |
| Median (P50) | $41.14 | $329.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.22 | $361.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.92 | $407.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lodi
Based on $41.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.14/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lodi, CA can expect to earn approximately $85,581 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,373. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lodi.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lodi
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,645.78 | $7,132 | $85,581 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $987.47 | $4,279 | $51,348 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $658.31 | $2,853 | $34,232 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Lodi) | $41.14 |
| 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 Lodi, CA earn a median of $85,574 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.12% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 1.40% below the California state average of $86,789.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.14/hr = $51,348/year (purchasing power: $45,401).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $85,581/year (purchasing power: $75,668).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$34.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.02/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Lodi (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.05/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.17/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.47/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.02/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Lodi grew 17.5% from $34.05/hr (2019) to $40.02/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.30/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 Lodi 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 Lodi
For those considering part-time work as occupational therapy assistants in Lodi, the financial return can be notable. Working a typical schedule of three days per week amounts to approximately 24 hours, leading to a significant annual income compared to a full-time commitment. Per-diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Lodi typically ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, depending on the facility and demand, while travel positions can offer even higher weekly compensation of $1,100 to $1,700. Within Lodi's job market, hourly rates vary based on employer type, with skilled nursing facilities, inpatient rehab units, and outpatient clinics offering distinctive pay structures. However, many COTAs face a trade-off when negotiating their salaries, as those seeking higher hourly wages in agency roles may sacrifice benefits like health insurance found in lower-paying, full-time positions. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for effective negotiation and career growth as professionals navigate their options in the evolving healthcare environment.
More salary data for Lodi, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Lodi in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Lodi?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Lodi paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Lodi?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Lodi?
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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 Lodi. 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 Lodi 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