Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Murrieta, CA: $41.63 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Murrieta, CA runs $41.63 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,591 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Murrieta's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,951 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Murrieta, California, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is notably competitive, with a median rate of $41.63. This figure exceeds the national hourly median of $35.74, making it an attractive option for both full-time and part-time workers in various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and home health visits. For part-time employees working three days a week, this hourly rate translates to a significant income, especially considering the range of pay varies from $30.07 at the entry level to $52.74 for top earners. The diverse opportunities for occupational therapy assistants in Murrieta allow for a flexible work schedule, making it viable for those who may opt for per-diem roles, typically requiring less commitment while capitalizing on the promising hourly rates projected for 2026.
About the Murrieta 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) | $30.07 | $240.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.63 | $285.07 |
| Median (P50) | $41.63 | $333.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.27 | $378.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.74 | $421.93 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Murrieta
Based on $41.63/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.63/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Murrieta, CA can expect to earn approximately $86,586 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,953. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Murrieta.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Murrieta
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,665.11 | $7,215 | $86,586 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $999.07 | $4,329 | $51,951 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $666.04 | $2,886 | $34,634 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Murrieta) | $41.63 |
| 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 Murrieta, CA earn a median of $86,591 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.49% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 0.20% below the California state average of $86,764.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.63/hr = $51,951/year (purchasing power: $45,934).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,586/year (purchasing power: $76,557).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$34.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.63/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Murrieta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.45/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.25/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.57/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.41/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.63/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Murrieta grew 17.5% from $34.45/hr (2019) to $40.49/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.80/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 Murrieta 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 Murrieta
For those considering part-time positions, an occupational therapy assistant working 24 hours a week can expect a substantial income, though it generally falls below that of full-time colleagues. Per-diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Murrieta varies widely, with common billing rates between $30 and $45 per hour. Meanwhile, travel contracts often yield weekly earnings ranging from $1,100 to $1,700, which may appeal to COTAs seeking more flexibility. Employment opportunities may differ significantly; skilled nursing facilities tend to offer lower hourly rates compared to hospital rehab units or agency positions, which may include benefits at the cost of higher wages. Though some COTAs may accept lower hourly rates in exchange for healthcare benefits, it's crucial to negotiate effectively—consider highlighting experience and specialized skills when discussing pay, particularly in a competitive market shaped by recent Medicare reimbursement changes.
More salary data for Murrieta, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Murrieta in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Murrieta?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Murrieta paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Murrieta?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Murrieta?
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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 Murrieta. 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 Murrieta 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