Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Pasadena, TX: $39.67 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Pasadena, TX runs $39.67 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,532 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Pasadena's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $41.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,514 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pasadena, TX, occupational therapy assistants command a median hourly rate of $39.67, which is higher than the national median of $35.74. This competitive hourly wage indicates robust earning potential for both full-time positions and flexible arrangements such as part-time work or per-diem opportunities. For example, a COTA working three days a week could earn a substantial income while maintaining a more manageable schedule. The hourly rate ranges from approximately $28.59 for entry-level positions to $50.17 for those at the top of the pay scale, allowing for a diversity of roles in settings such as skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and private homes where therapy services are provided.
About the Pasadena Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28.59 | $228.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.91 | $271.25 |
| Median (P50) | $39.67 | $317.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.13 | $353.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.17 | $401.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pasadena
Based on $39.67/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.67/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pasadena, TX can expect to earn approximately $82,523 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,609. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pasadena.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pasadena
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,586.98 | $6,877 | $82,523 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $952.19 | $4,126 | $49,514 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $634.79 | $2,751 | $33,009 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Pasadena) | $39.67 |
| 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 Pasadena, TX earn a median of $82,532 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.03% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 5.40% above the Texas state average of $78,303.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.67/hr = $49,514/year (purchasing power: $51,577).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,523/year (purchasing power: $85,961).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$32.83/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.59/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.67/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Pasadena (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.83/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.29/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.59/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.67/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.79/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Pasadena grew 17.5% from $32.83/hr (2019) to $38.59/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.79/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 Pasadena 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 Pasadena
When examining the financial landscape for occupational therapy assistants in Pasadena, part-time earnings can be particularly appealing. An occupational therapy assistant working a standard 24-hour week could expect to take home around $49,092 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts earning an average hourly wage. In addition, per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Pasadena often falls within the $30-$45/hr range, with contracted positions occasionally offering higher weekly totals, such as $1,100-$1,700 for travel assignments. However, compensation may vary depending on the type of employer, where skilled nursing facilities, school contracts, and outpatient clinics each present different pay structures and benefits packages. COTAs might choose lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance coverage or other benefits, highlighting the complexities of negotiating compensation in a field affected by the recent 15% Medicare reimbursement cut. Understanding the dynamics of hourly pay can empower aspiring COTAs to advocate for their worth effectively, particularly in the unique Pasadena job market.
More salary data for Pasadena, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Pasadena in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Pasadena?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Pasadena paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Pasadena?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Pasadena?
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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 Pasadena. 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 Pasadena 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