Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Madera, CA: $40.74 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Madera, CA runs $40.74 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $84,752 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Madera's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,848 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Madera, California, the projected occupational therapy assistant hourly pay stands at $40.74, significantly exceeding the national hourly median of $35.74. This favorable rate reflects the demand for skilled professionals in various settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and home health visits. For part-time and per-diem occupational therapy assistants, who may work three days a week, this translates into a promising income potential, allowing for flexibility while still earning a competitive wage. The hourly pay range in Madera spans from around $29.93 for entry-level positions to $50.49 for those at the higher end of the scale, illustrating the opportunity for growth and specialization within the field.
About the Madera 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) | $29.93 | $239.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.15 | $281.21 |
| Median (P50) | $40.74 | $325.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.86 | $358.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.49 | $403.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Madera
Based on $40.74/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.74/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Madera, CA can expect to earn approximately $84,747 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,892. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Madera.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Madera
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,629.74 | $7,062 | $84,747 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $977.85 | $4,237 | $50,848 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $651.90 | $2,825 | $33,899 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Madera) | $40.74 |
| 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 Madera, CA earn a median of $84,752 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.02% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 2.30% below the California state average of $86,748.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.74/hr = $50,848/year (purchasing power: $44,958).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $84,747/year (purchasing power: $74,931).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$33.72/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.63/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.74/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Madera (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.72/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.50/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.84/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.73/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.49/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.63/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.74/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.89/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Madera grew 17.5% from $33.72/hr (2019) to $39.63/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.89/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 Madera 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 Madera
When considering part-time work, a COTA in Madera billing at $40.74 per hour and working a typical 24-hour week would earn approximately $50,066 annually, while full-time equivalent earnings would align with industry averages. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Madera often varies, with opportunities to bill between $30 and $45 per hour, making this option an attractive choice for those seeking flexibility. However, travel contracts can yield higher weekly rates of $1,100 to $1,700 but may require extended commitments. It’s also worth noting that the recent 15% Medicare cuts during 2022 have impacted reimbursements, particularly in skilled nursing facilities, influencing some occupational therapy assistants to seek positions in less affected settings such as outpatient clinics or schools. Therefore, negotiating health benefits versus hourly wage becomes vital, as some opt for lower rates that come with health insurance, while others prioritize a higher pay rate without benefits. For those navigating the job market, understanding the demand dynamics in Madera and being prepared to negotiate effectively can enhance earning potential in this field.
More salary data for Madera, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Madera in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Madera?
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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 Madera. 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 Madera 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