Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Oakley, CA: $40.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Oakley, CA runs $40.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,997 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Oakley's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.71 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,399 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Oakley, California, the projected occupational therapy assistant hourly pay for 2026 stands at $40.38, which surpasses the national median hourly rate of $35.74 by 13%. This robust hourly wage not only highlights the local demand for skilled professionals but also opens up opportunities for both part-time and per diem work. For someone working a typical part-time schedule of three days a week, this hourly rate translates into a solid income for various settings, including skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and school therapy rooms. The lower range for entry-level positions is about $28.00, while the top earners in the field can make up to $49.53 an hour, suggesting a healthy degree of pay advancement based on experience and specific work environments.
About the Oakley 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) | $28.00 | $223.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.93 | $287.46 |
| Median (P50) | $40.38 | $323.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.26 | $354.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.53 | $396.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oakley
Based on $40.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.38/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oakley, CA can expect to earn approximately $83,998 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,461. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Oakley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oakley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,615.35 | $7,000 | $83,998 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $969.21 | $4,200 | $50,399 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $646.14 | $2,800 | $33,599 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Oakley) | $40.38 |
| 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 Oakley, CA earn a median of $83,997 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.00% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 3.20% below the California state average of $86,774.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.38/hr = $50,399/year (purchasing power: $44,561).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,998/year (purchasing power: $74,269).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$33.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Oakley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.19/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.91/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Oakley grew 17.5% from $33.42/hr (2019) to $39.28/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.52/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 Oakley 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 Oakley
Evaluating the potential earnings for part-time occupational therapy assistants working 24 hours per week shows significant opportunities, yielding an estimated take-home pay of around $50,000 annually. In contrast, full-time professionals may command salaries approaching $83,997 based on the 2026 estimates. For those in per diem roles, the pay can vary based on the setting; per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Oakley may range between $30 and $45 per hour, with travel contracts offering $1,100 to $1,700 weekly. Different employer types, such as hospitals and home health agencies, can influence hourly rates significantly. Some occupational therapy assistants may opt for lower hourly pay that includes benefits, while others might prioritize a higher hourly wage without the safety net of health insurance. For those negotiating pay, understanding Oakley’s market dynamics and articulating experience can be advantageous in securing favorable terms.
More salary data for Oakley, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Oakley in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Oakley?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Oakley paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Oakley?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Oakley?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 Oakley. 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 Oakley 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