Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Modesto, CA: $47.55 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Modesto, CA runs $47.55 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $98,914 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Modesto's regional price level (BEA RPP 104.1, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $45.67 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,342 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Modesto, the **occupational therapy assistant hourly pay** stands at an impressive **$47.55**, significantly higher than the national average of **$35.74**. This rate reflects not only the demand for professionals in settings such as skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation units, and outpatient clinics, but also suggests robust compensation opportunities for part-time and **per diem occupational therapy assistants**. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this hourly rate translates into a solid earning potential, with entry-level positions starting around **$37.85** while experienced professionals can earn up to **$52.20**. These figures are derived from official estimates based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, providing a clear picture of the compensation landscape in this growing field.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.85 | $302.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.86 | $310.90 |
| Median (P50) | $47.55 | $380.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.01 | $400.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.20 | $417.57 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Modesto
Based on $47.55/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.55/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Modesto, CA can expect to earn approximately $98,903 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,060. With a cost-of-living index of 104.11 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Modesto.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Modesto
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,901.98 | $8,242 | $98,903 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,141.19 | $4,945 | $59,342 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $760.79 | $3,297 | $39,561 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Modesto) | $47.55 |
| 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 Modesto, CA earn a median of $98,914 per year (2026 est.), which is 33.07% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 14.00% above the California state average of $86,766.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.55/hr = $59,342/year (purchasing power: $57,000).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $98,903/year (purchasing power: $95,001).
CoL index: 104.108 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$39.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.25/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.55/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Modesto (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.35/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.26/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.92/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.25/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.55/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.89/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Modesto grew 17.5% from $39.35/hr (2019) to $46.25/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.89/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 Modesto 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 Modesto
For those considering a part-time schedule, taking on a 24-hour work week could yield an annual take-home significantly lower than full-time COTAs while still offering flexible earning potential. Additionally, **per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Modesto** typically ranges from **$30 to $45** per hour, with some travel contracts offering weekly compensation between **$1,100 and $1,700**. Various employer types affect hourly wages, from school districts to outpatient and home health agencies, reflecting differing funding and reimbursement structures. As some facilities face financial pressures from Medicare cuts, a balance between higher hourly pay and added benefits, such as healthcare, becomes essential in salary negotiations. Occupational therapy assistants looking to maximize earnings will find that understanding these nuances in their industry can lead not only to better pay but also to more strategically advantageous employment opportunities.
More salary data for Modesto, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Modesto in 2026?
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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 Modesto. 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, 5-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