Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Pomona, CA: $43.13 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Pomona, CA runs $43.13 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $89,698 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Pomona's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $38.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,825 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pomona, California, occupational therapy assistants are projected to earn a median hourly pay of $43.13 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $35.74. This competitive rate offers robust opportunities for both part-time and per-diem workers, particularly in various healthcare settings such as skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics. For those working part-time, such as a schedule of three days a week, the potential income remains appealing while providing the flexibility that many professionals seek. The hourly pay spectrum ranges from $29.99 at the entry level to $53.46 for more experienced practitioners in Pomona. These figures are estimates derived from annual salary data and paint a promising picture for future COTAs considering career prospects in this region.
About the Pomona 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) | $29.99 | $239.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.17 | $289.35 |
| Median (P50) | $43.13 | $345.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.19 | $377.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.46 | $427.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pomona
Based on $43.13/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.13/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pomona, CA can expect to earn approximately $89,708 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,755. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Pomona.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pomona
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,725.15 | $7,476 | $89,708 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,035.09 | $4,485 | $53,825 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $690.06 | $2,990 | $35,883 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Pomona) | $43.13 |
| 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 Pomona, CA earn a median of $89,698 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.67% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 3.40% above the California state average of $86,748.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.13/hr = $53,825/year (purchasing power: $47,590).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $89,708/year (purchasing power: $79,317).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$35.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.13/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Pomona (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.69/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.52/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.28/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.88/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.13/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Pomona grew 17.5% from $35.69/hr (2019) to $41.95/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.34/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 Pomona 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 Pomona
The earning potential for part-time occupational therapy assistants in Pomona reveals that working 24 hours a week can lead to an annual income of around $53,753, showcasing a viable option for those balancing other commitments. Per diem roles, often seen in travel contracts, can yield an even greater financial upside, with compensation ranging from $30 to $45 per hour. It’s essential to note that factors like employer type significantly influence hourly rates; skilled nursing facilities may offer different salaries compared to school districts or outpatient therapy clinics. While some occupational therapy assistants may opt for higher hourly wages without benefits, others prefer the security of full-time positions that include health insurance. For COTAs negotiating their hourly pay in Pomona, understanding local market dynamics and being aware of the impact of Medicare reimbursement cuts can be integral to securing fair compensation in this evolving profession.
More salary data for Pomona, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Pomona in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Pomona?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Pomona paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Pomona?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Pomona?
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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 Pomona. 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 Pomona 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