Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Long Beach, CA: $38.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Long Beach, CA runs $38.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $80,551 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Long Beach's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.24 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,333 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Long Beach, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay reaches a median of $38.73, which is notably higher than the national median of $35.74. This rate can significantly benefit those working part-time, such as individuals employed three days a week, allowing for a reasonable income with flexible hours. Per-diem workers in various settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, and outpatient clinics, can expect wages ranging from $25.13 for entry-level positions to $51.74 for experienced professionals. This hourly income translates into a viable option for those seeking to balance work with other commitments, while also illustrating the potential for financial growth as one advances in their career.
About the Long Beach 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) | $25.13 | $201.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.36 | $266.89 |
| Median (P50) | $38.73 | $309.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.48 | $355.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.74 | $413.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Long Beach
Based on $38.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.73/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Long Beach, CA can expect to earn approximately $80,555 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,474. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Long Beach.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Long Beach
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,549.14 | $6,713 | $80,555 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $929.48 | $4,028 | $48,333 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $619.66 | $2,685 | $32,222 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Long Beach) | $38.73 |
| 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 Long Beach, CA earn a median of $80,551 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.37% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 7.20% below the California state average of $86,800.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.73/hr = $48,333/year (purchasing power: $42,735).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $80,555/year (purchasing power: $71,225).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$32.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.73/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Long Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.05/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.79/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.48/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.83/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.82/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Long Beach grew 17.5% from $32.05/hr (2019) to $37.67/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.82/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 Long Beach 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 Long Beach
Shifting the focus to part-time earning potential, a three-day workweek for an occupational therapy assistant can yield a substantial annual income compared to full-time wages. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Long Beach typically falls within the range of $30 to $45 per hour, varying by the type of facility and demand. Contract positions, particularly in travel therapy, can offer up to $1,700 a week but often require flexibility and mobility. In Long Beach, the hourly rates differ depending on the employer, with skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics sometimes offering lower wages versus other healthcare settings. Occupational therapy assistants must weigh the trade-offs, such as lower hourly pays paired with benefits versus higher pays in roles without health coverage. For those negotiating their hourly rates, understanding local market trends and the impact of the 15% Medicare cut implemented in 2022 will be essential for securing competitive compensation.
More salary data for Long Beach, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Long Beach in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Long Beach?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Long Beach paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Long Beach?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Long Beach?
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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 Long Beach. 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 Long Beach 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