Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Fontana, CA: $43.39 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Fontana, CA runs $43.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $90,236 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Fontana's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $38.36 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $54,146 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fontana, California, the projected hourly pay for an occupational therapy assistant (COTA) in 2026 is estimated at $43.39, notably higher than the national average of $35.74. This competitive rate illustrates the potential for COTAs to find rewarding positions across various settings, from skilled nursing facilities and hospital rehab units to outpatient clinics and school therapy environments. For part-time professionals working three days a week, the hourly pay makes it feasible to balance work while managing other commitments. Entry-level COTAs can expect wages starting around $28.52 per hour, while experienced practitioners at the top tier could earn as much as $55.62 hourly, reflecting the growing demand for skilled rehabilitation services in the area.
About the Fontana 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) | $28.52 | $228.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.15 | $281.21 |
| Median (P50) | $43.39 | $347.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.41 | $387.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.62 | $444.96 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fontana
Based on $43.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.39/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fontana, CA can expect to earn approximately $90,243 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $52,063. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fontana.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fontana
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,735.43 | $7,520 | $90,243 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,041.26 | $4,512 | $54,146 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $694.17 | $3,008 | $36,097 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Fontana) | $43.39 |
| 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 Fontana, CA earn a median of $90,236 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.40% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 4.00% above the California state average of $86,766.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.39/hr = $54,146/year (purchasing power: $47,874).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $90,243/year (purchasing power: $79,790).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$35.90/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$42.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.39/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Fontana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.90/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.24/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $42.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Fontana grew 17.5% from $35.90/hr (2019) to $42.20/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.60/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 Fontana 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 Fontana
Part-time occupational therapy assistants working 24 hours a week can anticipate an annual income significantly less than their full-time counterparts, yet still, retain opportunities for lucrative earnings. Many per diem COTAs in Fontana may find themselves billing between $30 and $45 per hour, while travel contracts may yield weekly earnings ranging from $1,100 to $1,700. Different employer types, such as school districts and home health agencies, provide varying pay rates that can affect overall compensation and benefits. For instance, some COTAs may opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for health insurance coverage, while others can pursue positions with higher pay but minimal benefits. When negotiating hourly rates, being aware of the local market and industry standards set by AOTA and regulations from Medicare can empower occupational therapy assistants to secure favorable terms aligned with their financial and professional goals.
More salary data for Fontana, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Fontana in 2026?
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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 Fontana. 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 Fontana 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