Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Poway, CA: $41.06 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Poway, CA runs $41.06 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $85,404 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Poway's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.31 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,246 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Poway, CA, can expect a median hourly pay of $41.06 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national median of $35.74. This favorable rate provides significant benefits for both part-time and per-diem workers in various healthcare settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and home health visits. With entry-level hourly wages starting around $29.60 and experienced practitioners earning upwards of $47.70, there is a broad spectrum for income potential. The compelling hourly rate reflects high demand in the region, and these estimates, derived from annual salary data, illustrate how occupational therapy assistant hourly pay in Poway is competitive within the wider landscape of CA positions.
About the Poway 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) | $29.60 | $236.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.46 | $291.65 |
| Median (P50) | $41.06 | $328.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.39 | $347.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.70 | $381.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Poway
Based on $41.06/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.06/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Poway, CA can expect to earn approximately $85,410 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,275. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Poway.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Poway
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,642.49 | $7,117 | $85,410 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $985.50 | $4,270 | $51,246 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $657.00 | $2,847 | $34,164 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Poway) | $41.06 |
| 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 Poway, CA earn a median of $85,404 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.90% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 1.60% below the California state average of $86,793.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.06/hr = $51,246/year (purchasing power: $45,310).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $85,410/year (purchasing power: $75,517).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$33.98/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.06/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Poway (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.98/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.49/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.06/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.22/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Poway grew 17.5% from $33.98/hr (2019) to $39.94/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.22/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 Poway 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 Poway
For occupational therapy assistants working part-time, especially those who opt for a three-day workweek, the financial landscape presents unique opportunities compared to full-time employment. A COTA clocking in for 24 hours each week would take home around $51,573 annually, in contrast to a full-time assistant's earnings. In addition, per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Poway can range from $30 to $45 per hour depending on the specific agency or contract, with travel COTA positions drawing up to $1,700 weekly. Diverse employment environments, from skilled nursing facilities to school districts, can offer varying pay scales influenced by the demands of services provided. Some assistants might accept lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance benefits, while others may prioritize higher hourly wages without them. When negotiating hourly rates, it’s advisable for assistants to research typical employer practices in Poway, understanding their value and ensuring fair compensation amid the evolving healthcare reimbursement landscape shaped by changes like the 15% Medicare cut.
More salary data for Poway, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Poway in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Poway?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Poway paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Poway?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Poway?
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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 Poway. 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 Poway 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