Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Temecula, CA: $42.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Temecula, CA runs $42.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $88,716 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Temecula's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $37.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,235 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Temecula, California, the projected median occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is $42.66, significantly higher than the national median of $35.74. For part-time occupational therapy assistants working three days a week, this hourly rate translates into a potential earning of around $1,056 per week or roughly $55,000 annually, depending on the number of hours worked. Per-diem workers, often found in settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and outpatient clinics, can expect a flexible working environment with hourly rates ranging from $29.08 for entry-level positions to $51.91 for more experienced practitioners. These figures represent estimated hourly earnings derived from annual salary data, which reflect the variety of roles professionals may take on in their careers as they move between different therapy environments.
About the Temecula 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) | $29.08 | $232.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.81 | $294.45 |
| Median (P50) | $42.66 | $341.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.09 | $368.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.91 | $415.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Temecula
Based on $42.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.66/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Temecula, CA can expect to earn approximately $88,724 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,187. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Temecula.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Temecula
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,706.23 | $7,394 | $88,724 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,023.74 | $4,436 | $53,235 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $682.49 | $2,957 | $35,490 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Temecula) | $42.66 |
| 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 Temecula, CA earn a median of $88,716 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.35% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 2.20% above the California state average of $86,806.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.66/hr = $53,235/year (purchasing power: $47,069).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $88,724/year (purchasing power: $78,448).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$35.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Temecula (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.30/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.12/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.47/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.85/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Temecula grew 17.5% from $35.30/hr (2019) to $41.49/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.85/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 Temecula 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 Temecula
Looking at the earning potential for part-time occupational therapy assistants in Temecula reveals a year-round impactful difference compared to full-time COTAs. For instance, working 24 hours each week can yield an annual income showing favorable variability based on hours and employer types, such as schools or early intervention programs. Typical per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Temecula aligns between $30 and $45 per hour, with travel contracts offering incentives of $1,100 to $1,700 per week. However, post-2022 Medicare reimbursement cuts have impacted some skilled nursing facility positions, prompting COTAs to negotiate carefully for higher pay or better benefits. While those employed by spacious clinics or schools could opt for lower hourly rates with health insurance benefits, factors like workload and flexibility in scheduling often dictate their decisions. It's crucial for occupational therapy assistants to conduct thorough research and discussions on compensation packages that align with their career objectives.
More salary data for Temecula, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Temecula in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Temecula?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Temecula paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Temecula?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Temecula?
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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 Temecula. 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 Temecula 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