Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in San Leandro, CA: $41.00 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in San Leandro, CA runs $41.00 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $85,289 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against San Leandro's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.25 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,169 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In San Leandro, California, occupational therapy assistants are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $41.00 in 2026, significantly surpassing the national median of $35.74. This difference is relevant for those considering part-time or per-diem roles. Working in environments like skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, or providing home health visits, these professionals offer flexibility in their schedules. Entry-level occupational therapy assistants can expect to earn around $30.48 per hour, while top earners might reach $52.81, reflecting a broad spectrum of opportunities within the city based on experience and workplace setting. All figures are derived from annual salary estimates and reflect San Leandro’s unique economic landscape.
About the San Leandro 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) | $30.48 | $243.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.69 | $285.48 |
| Median (P50) | $41.00 | $328.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.85 | $350.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.81 | $422.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Leandro
Based on $41.00/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.00/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Leandro, CA can expect to earn approximately $85,281 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,201. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Leandro.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Leandro
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,640.03 | $7,107 | $85,281 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $984.02 | $4,264 | $51,169 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $656.01 | $2,843 | $34,113 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (San Leandro) | $41.00 |
| 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 San Leandro, CA earn a median of $85,289 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.74% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 1.70% below the California state average of $86,764.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.00/hr = $51,169/year (purchasing power: $45,242).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $85,281/year (purchasing power: $75,403).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$33.93/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.88/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.00/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in San Leandro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.93/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.76/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.88/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.00/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in San Leandro grew 17.5% from $33.93/hr (2019) to $39.88/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.15/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 San Leandro 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 San Leandro
For those opting for part-time roles, working three days a week could yield an annual income that is less than what full-time colleagues take home, often leading to discussions about benefits versus hourly pay. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in San Leandro generally ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, but they must also consider the trade-offs, such as the absence of health insurance offered by full-time positions. In specialized settings like skilled nursing facilities or outpatient programs, the hourly wage can fluctuate due to previous funding cuts affecting reimbursements, especially following the 15% reduction in Medicare reimbursements for OTA services. It's crucial for COTAs to be strategic when negotiating their rates, as those with contracts in school districts or home health agencies may see different compensation structures. Exploring these variations can help occupational therapy assistants in CA maximize their earning potential while balancing their professional goals and personal needs.
More salary data for San Leandro, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in San Leandro in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in San Leandro?
Are occupational therapy assistants in San Leandro paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in San Leandro?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in San Leandro?
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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 San Leandro. 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 San Leandro 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