Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Oakland, CA: $49.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Oakland, CA runs $49.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $102,899 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Oakland's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $43.74 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,741 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay in Oakland, California, is projected to be $49.47, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $35.74. This competitive pay rate provides a solid foundation for part-time workers, allowing those who choose to work three days a week in various healthcare settings, such as skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics, to achieve a reasonable income. With an hourly pay range from $33.56 for entry-level positions to $64.96 for top earners, occupational therapy assistants in Oakland have ample opportunities for growth. In particular, per-diem positions offer flexibility alongside competitive pay, enabling COTAs to thrive in diverse environments including hospital rehab units, school therapy rooms, and home health visits. The estimated hourly rates are derived from projected annual salary data, creating a clear picture of earning potential for aspiring professionals in the field.
About the Oakland 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) | $33.56 | $268.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.85 | $326.77 |
| Median (P50) | $49.47 | $395.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.99 | $447.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.96 | $519.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oakland
Based on $49.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.47/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oakland, CA can expect to earn approximately $102,902 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,367. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Oakland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oakland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,978.89 | $8,575 | $102,902 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,187.33 | $5,145 | $61,741 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $791.55 | $3,430 | $41,161 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Oakland) | $49.47 |
| 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 Oakland, CA earn a median of $102,899 per year (2026 est.), which is 38.43% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 18.60% above the California state average of $86,762.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.47/hr = $61,741/year (purchasing power: $54,590).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $102,902/year (purchasing power: $90,983).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$40.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.12/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.47/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Oakland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.89/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $41.09/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.60/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.12/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Oakland grew 17.5% from $40.94/hr (2019) to $48.12/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.86/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 Oakland 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 Oakland
Beyond the primary hourly compensation, part-time occupational therapy assistants in Oakland may find their annual earnings differ significantly from their full-time counterparts. For example, a COTA working three days a week (24 hours) can expect to take home around $61,405 annually, a notable amount considering the realities of the market. Per-diem occupational therapy assistant pay in the area typically ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, while travel COTA contracts can vary greatly, with weekly earnings between $1,100 and $1,700 depending on demand and assignment location. Rates can fluctuate between employer types, with skilled nursing facilities often presenting lower hourly rates compared to outpatient clinics or early intervention programs, which might offer more competitive compensation. Moreover, some occupational therapy assistants opt for lower-paying roles in order to secure health benefits, negotiating a trade-off that might impact their total compensation. For those looking to negotiate their pay, understanding the local market and articulating their skills will be essential to maximize their earnings in this evolving profession.
More salary data for Oakland, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Oakland in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Oakland?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Oakland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Oakland?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Oakland?
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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 Oakland. 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 Oakland 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