Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Costa Mesa, CA: $41.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Costa Mesa, CA runs $41.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $87,187 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Costa Mesa's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $37.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,311 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Costa Mesa, CA, can expect a median hourly pay of $41.92, which is notably higher than the national median of $35.74. This hourly rate offers substantial financial opportunities for part-time and per-diem workers, especially in typical environments such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and during home health visits. For those just entering the field, starting hourly rates can be around $29.52, while experienced professionals and top earners can command up to $53.79. These figures are derived from BLS data, giving a reliable snapshot of the financial landscape for COTAs working in this vibrant California city.
About the Costa Mesa 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) | $29.52 | $236.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.30 | $282.44 |
| Median (P50) | $41.92 | $335.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.95 | $375.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.79 | $430.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Costa Mesa
Based on $41.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.92/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Costa Mesa, CA can expect to earn approximately $87,185 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,299. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Costa Mesa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Costa Mesa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,676.63 | $7,265 | $87,185 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,005.98 | $4,359 | $52,311 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $670.65 | $2,906 | $34,874 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Costa Mesa) | $41.92 |
| 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 Costa Mesa, CA earn a median of $87,187 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.29% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 0.50% above the California state average of $86,753.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.92/hr = $52,311/year (purchasing power: $46,252).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $87,185/year (purchasing power: $77,086).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$34.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.77/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Costa Mesa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.69/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.23/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.79/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.77/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.09/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Costa Mesa grew 17.5% from $34.69/hr (2019) to $40.77/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.09/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 Costa Mesa 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 Costa Mesa
When analyzing potential earnings for a part-time occupational therapy assistant working three days a week, the financial picture can vary significantly based on weekly hours and employment type. For those committed to a part-time schedule of 24 hours per week, annual earnings can present a substantial difference compared to full-time positions. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Costa Mesa ranges from about $30 to $45 per hour, with COTAs on travel contracts typically earning between $1,100 and $1,700 weekly. Employment in skilled nursing facilities may offer lower hourly compensation but can include benefits that higher-paid, independent contract roles do not provide. Consequently, understanding the nuances of pay rates among different employer types is essential for navigating compensation. For those in Costa Mesa, negotiating effectively around the hourly rate while considering benefits can ensure a fair agreement reflective of individual needs and the current market dynamics.
More salary data for Costa Mesa, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Costa Mesa in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Costa Mesa?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Costa Mesa paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Costa Mesa?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Costa Mesa?
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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 Costa Mesa. 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 Costa Mesa 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