Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Petaluma, CA: $40.91 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Petaluma, CA runs $40.91 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $85,082 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Petaluma's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.17 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,053 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Petaluma, California, occupational therapy assistants earn a median hourly pay of $40.91, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $35.74. This hourly rate provides a strong foundation for both full-time and part-time positions in diverse environments, including skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and home health visits. A per diem occupational therapy assistant can benefit from this rate, often adjusting their work schedules to maximize income while enjoying flexibility. For those just starting in this field, the hourly pay ranges from $30.29 at entry-level positions to $51.11 for seasoned professionals, indicating a substantial earning potential as one gains experience and specialization.
About the Petaluma 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) | $30.29 | $242.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.48 | $283.84 |
| Median (P50) | $40.91 | $327.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.15 | $361.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.11 | $408.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Petaluma
Based on $40.91/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.91/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Petaluma, CA can expect to earn approximately $85,089 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,090. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Petaluma.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Petaluma
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,636.32 | $7,091 | $85,089 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $981.79 | $4,254 | $51,053 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $654.53 | $2,836 | $34,036 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Petaluma) | $40.91 |
| 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 Petaluma, CA earn a median of $85,082 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.46% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 1.90% below the California state average of $86,730.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.91/hr = $51,053/year (purchasing power: $45,140).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $85,089/year (purchasing power: $75,233).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$33.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.79/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.91/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Petaluma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.88/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.79/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.91/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Petaluma grew 17.5% from $33.85/hr (2019) to $39.79/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.06/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 Petaluma 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 Petaluma
For those considering part-time roles, an occupational therapy assistant working three days a week (24 hours) can expect a practical annual income that still supports a comfortable living, although it may not fully equate to a full-time salary. Per diem roles present another avenue, with pay typically ranging from $30 to $45 per hour, allowing for financial viability while maintaining flexibility. Agencies offering travel contracts often promise weekly payments between $1,100 and $1,700, yet economic adjustments post-2022 have dampened premiums in skilled nursing facilities. The variety of employer types in Petaluma, such as school districts and outpatient clinics, leads to differences in hourly pay rates, emphasizing why some occupational therapy assistants may choose lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance. Understanding these dynamics can enhance negotiation power for those entering the field or seeking better compensation strategies tailored to their lifestyle and professional goals.
More salary data for Petaluma, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Petaluma in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Petaluma?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Petaluma paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Petaluma?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Petaluma?
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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 Petaluma. 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 Petaluma 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