Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Torrance, CA: $42.43 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Torrance, CA runs $42.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $88,260 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Torrance's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $37.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,952 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in Torrance, California, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $42.43 based on projections for 2026. This figure is notably higher than the national average of $35.74 per hour, reflecting the demand for skilled professionals in the region's healthcare sector. For those considering a part-time position, such as working three days a week, earning this hourly rate can translate into significant monthly income. Hourly wages for occupational therapy assistants in Torrance vary, with entry-level positions starting around $28.42 per hour and experienced professionals making up to $55.52 per hour, which indicates a diverse range accommodating both novice and seasoned practitioners. In addition, typical settings for COTAs include skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, schools, outpatient clinics, and home health environments, which further influence the hourly pay based on the specific demands and resources of each workplace.
About the Torrance 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) | $28.42 | $227.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.76 | $278.08 |
| Median (P50) | $42.43 | $339.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.17 | $385.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.52 | $444.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Torrance
Based on $42.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.43/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Torrance, CA can expect to earn approximately $88,254 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,916. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Torrance.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Torrance
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,697.19 | $7,354 | $88,254 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,018.31 | $4,413 | $52,952 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $678.87 | $2,942 | $35,301 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Torrance) | $42.43 |
| 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 Torrance, CA earn a median of $88,260 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.74% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 1.70% above the California state average of $86,785.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.43/hr = $52,952/year (purchasing power: $46,819).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $88,254/year (purchasing power: $78,032).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$35.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.27/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.43/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Torrance (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.11/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.67/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.25/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.27/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.43/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Torrance grew 17.5% from $35.11/hr (2019) to $41.27/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.62/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 Torrance 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 Torrance
Considering potential earnings, a part-time occupational therapy assistant working 24 hours a week could expect to take home around $52,022 annually. This is a clear contrast to full-time assistants who will receive proportionally higher compensation. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Torrance varies widely, with professionals typically billing between $30 to $45 per hour. Contract positions for travel COTAs yield even higher pay, often ranging from $1,100 to $1,700 weekly. Employers like skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics may offer different rates, often depending on budget constraints and patient volume. While some practitioners may opt for positions with lower hourly rates for health benefits, others may prioritize higher pay without additional perks. When negotiating pay, COTAs in this city should focus on the average hourly wages in Torrance and consider the influence of benefits on overall job satisfaction and income stability.
More salary data for Torrance, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Torrance in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Torrance?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Torrance paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Torrance?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Torrance?
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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 Torrance. 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 Torrance 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