Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Rancho Cordova, CA: $41.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Rancho Cordova, CA runs $41.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,058 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Rancho Cordova's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,631 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Rancho Cordova, CA earn a median hourly pay of $41.37, significantly higher than the national median of $35.74. This robust hourly rate allows for a comfortable standard of living and makes it an attractive option for those considering part-time work, such as 24 hours a week distributed over three days. In typical workplace settings like skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and outpatient clinics, professionals may find entry-level positions starting at around $28.08 per hour, while those with extensive experience or specialized skills can command rates as high as $52.53. The hourly wage reflects data projected for 2026, based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, and suggests a healthy job market for occupational therapy assistants in the region.
About the Rancho Cordova 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) | $28.08 | $224.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.45 | $291.57 |
| Median (P50) | $41.37 | $330.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.72 | $357.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.53 | $420.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rancho Cordova
Based on $41.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.37/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rancho Cordova, CA can expect to earn approximately $86,051 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,645. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Rancho Cordova.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rancho Cordova
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,654.83 | $7,171 | $86,051 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $992.90 | $4,303 | $51,631 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $661.93 | $2,868 | $34,420 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Rancho Cordova) | $41.37 |
| 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 Rancho Cordova, CA earn a median of $86,058 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.78% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 0.80% below the California state average of $86,752.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.37/hr = $51,631/year (purchasing power: $45,650).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,051/year (purchasing power: $76,084).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$34.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.37/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Rancho Cordova (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.23/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.03/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.30/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.14/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Rancho Cordova grew 17.5% from $34.23/hr (2019) to $40.24/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.53/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 Rancho Cordova 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 Rancho Cordova
For those contemplating part-time opportunities, working as a 24-hour-per-week occupational therapy assistant in Rancho Cordova means taking home a respectable annual income of $52,512, notably less than full-time but still viable for many. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Rancho Cordova typically ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, depending on specific roles and settings. Agency or travel COTAs may see weekly contracts ranging from $1,100 to $1,700, presenting unique earning opportunities, albeit with challenges such as the recent 15% Medicare reimbursement cut affecting many settings. Hourly rates can fluctuate based on employer type, with skilled nursing facilities often offering lower rates but potentially better benefits compared to outpatient clinics, where higher hourly compensation might lead to fewer perks. COTAs looking to negotiate can emphasize their qualifications and explore agency options for better flexibility and pay, weighing the trade-offs between higher hourly rates without benefits versus stable employment with health coverage.
More salary data for Rancho Cordova, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Rancho Cordova in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Rancho Cordova?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Rancho Cordova paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Rancho Cordova?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Rancho Cordova?
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 Rancho Cordova. 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 Rancho Cordova 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