Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Los Angeles, CA: $38.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Los Angeles, CA runs $38.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $80,284 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Los Angeles's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.6, 14% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,179 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Los Angeles earn a median hourly rate of $38.61, which surpasses the national median of $35.74. This competitive hourly pay presents attractive opportunities for both part-time workers and per-diem occupational therapy assistants. In typical settings like skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, and outpatient clinics, those working three days a week can earn a substantial income by focusing on their hours rather than worrying about annual averages. With hourly rates ranging from $31.95 for entry-level positions to $50.98 for top earners, positions in LA remain appealing. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, ensuring that potential COTAs have a clear understanding of their earning potential moving forward.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.95 | $255.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.69 | $301.52 |
| Median (P50) | $38.61 | $308.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.01 | $360.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.98 | $407.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Los Angeles
Based on $38.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.61/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Los Angeles, CA can expect to earn approximately $80,299 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,326. With a cost-of-living index of 113.57 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Los Angeles.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Los Angeles
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,544.21 | $6,692 | $80,299 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $926.52 | $4,015 | $48,179 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $617.68 | $2,677 | $32,119 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Los Angeles) | $38.61 |
| 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 Los Angeles, CA earn a median of $80,284 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.01% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 7.50% below the California state average of $86,794.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.61/hr = $48,179/year (purchasing power: $42,424).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $80,299/year (purchasing power: $70,707).
CoL index: 113.566 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$34.14/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.55/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.61/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+16.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Los Angeles (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.14/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.18/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.80/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.55/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.61/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.69/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Los Angeles grew 10.0% from $34.14/hr (2019) to $37.55/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.69/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 Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles
For part-time occupational therapy assistants in Los Angeles working 24 hours a week, annual earnings can be notably appealing when compared to full-time counterparts. While a full-time assistant works a typical 40-hour schedule, their part-time peers effectively balance their work-life commitments while still capturing a decent income. Per-diеm or agency roles are also part of the conversation; these professionals often bill between $30 to $45 per hour. Interestingly, travel contracts for occupational therapy assistants can offer between $1,100 and $1,700 weekly, allowing for flexibility in choosing assignments. Various employers, such as schools, hospitals, and outpatient clinics, may offer different hourly rates, with some providing higher pay in exchange for essential benefits like health insurance. Negotiating hourly rates effectively is vital; COTAs should consider their specific needs and employment terms to secure the best possible compensation in this ever-evolving market.
More salary data for Los Angeles, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Los Angeles in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Los Angeles?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Los Angeles paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Los Angeles?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Los Angeles?
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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 Los Angeles. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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