Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Napa, CA: $41.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Napa, CA runs $41.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $85,543 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Napa's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.36 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,323 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Napa, California, the projected occupational therapy assistant hourly pay for 2026 stands at $41.12, significantly above the national median of $35.74. This compensation reflects the valuable skills that COTAs bring to various settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, school therapy environments, outpatient clinics, and during home health visits. For part-time workers, who may operate on a 3-day per week schedule, this hourly rate translates to a substantial income while allowing for flexibility in work-life balance. Entry-level occupational therapy assistants can expect to earn approximately $30.81 per hour, while experienced professionals may reach the upper echelons of $51.83 per hour, highlighting the strong earning potential within this field in Napa. The hourly figures are derived from annual salary estimates and illustrate the competitive nature of pay for COTAs across varied healthcare settings.
About the Napa 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) | $30.81 | $246.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.93 | $287.46 |
| Median (P50) | $41.12 | $328.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.66 | $365.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.83 | $414.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Napa
Based on $41.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.12/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Napa, CA can expect to earn approximately $85,538 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,349. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Napa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Napa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,644.96 | $7,128 | $85,538 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $986.98 | $4,277 | $51,323 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $657.98 | $2,851 | $34,215 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Napa) | $41.12 |
| 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 Napa, CA earn a median of $85,543 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.08% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 1.40% below the California state average of $86,758.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.12/hr = $51,323/year (purchasing power: $45,378).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $85,538/year (purchasing power: $75,630).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$34.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Napa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.82/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.15/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.07/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.28/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Napa grew 17.5% from $34.03/hr (2019) to $40.00/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.28/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 Napa 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 Napa
Part-time COTAs working 24 hours a week can anticipate making around $51,054 annually, which, while less than what they’d earn in a full-time position, allows for a balance that many find appealing. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Napa typically hovers between $30 and $45 per hour, with travel contracts offering between $1,100 and $1,700 per week. However, recent cuts in reimbursement rates for SNF agency COTAs, prompted by the 15% Medicare reduction, have affected pay dynamics in these environments. Earnings can fluctuate significantly depending on the type of employer; skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies may offer different rates than school districts or outpatient clinics. For those COTAs who prefer stability and benefits, accepting a slightly lower hourly rate in exchange for health insurance could be a wise choice. When negotiating hourly rates, knowing local market trends and being prepared to discuss your unique skills can play a critical role in securing favorable terms.
More salary data for Napa, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Napa in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Napa?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Napa paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Napa?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Napa?
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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 Napa. 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 Napa 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