Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Santa Clara, CA: $47.93 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Santa Clara, CA runs $47.93 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $99,693 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Santa Clara's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $42.38 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,817 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Santa Clara, CA, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $47.93 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $35.74 per hour. This favorable rate provides a solid income for those working part-time, such as three days a week, which could average around 24 hours per week, making their weekly earnings substantial compared to similar part-time roles in other professions. The hourly rate range for occupational therapy assistants in Santa Clara varies, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $33.01 and seasoned professionals earning up to $58.77. Those in various therapeutic settings—such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health care—benefit from competitive compensation that not only reflects their expertise under the supervision of licensed occupational therapists but also accounts for the local cost of living index being above the national average.
About the Santa Clara 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) | $33.01 | $264.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.62 | $332.94 |
| Median (P50) | $47.93 | $383.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.06 | $416.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.77 | $470.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santa Clara
Based on $47.93/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.93/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santa Clara, CA can expect to earn approximately $99,694 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,516. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Santa Clara.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santa Clara
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,917.20 | $8,308 | $99,694 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,150.32 | $4,985 | $59,817 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $766.88 | $3,323 | $39,878 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Santa Clara) | $47.93 |
| 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 Santa Clara, CA earn a median of $99,693 per year (2026 est.), which is 34.12% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 14.90% above the California state average of $86,765.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.93/hr = $59,817/year (purchasing power: $52,888).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $99,694/year (purchasing power: $88,147).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$39.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.93/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Santa Clara (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.80/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.93/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.28/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Santa Clara grew 17.5% from $39.66/hr (2019) to $46.62/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.28/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 Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara
For part-time occupational therapy assistants, earning potential can vary significantly from that of full-time colleagues, especially when factoring in different employment settings and roles. A part-time COTA working 24 hours weekly might expect to earn around $53,000 annually, whereas a full-time peer could expect projections to be considerably higher. Per diem opportunities, commonly available, can yield $30 to $45 per hour, providing flexibility but often without benefits like health insurance, which may lead some practitioners to prioritize higher hourly rates over benefit packages. The pay landscape shifts across employers; those in skilled nursing facilities often see different compensation levels compared to outpatient settings or school therapy contracts. As the market for occupational therapy assistants evolves post-reimbursement changes, focusing on negotiation strategies that highlight experience and specialized skills will be vital in securing the best rates.
More salary data for Santa Clara, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Santa Clara in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Santa Clara?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Santa Clara paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Santa Clara?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Santa Clara?
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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 Santa Clara. 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 Santa Clara 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