Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in San Bernardino, CA: $39.62 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in San Bernardino, CA runs $39.62 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,422 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against San Bernardino's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,449 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In San Bernardino, the projected hourly median pay for an occupational therapy assistant is set at $39.62, representing a notable increase compared to the national figure of $35.74. This hourly rate is particularly advantageous for part-time practitioners working three days a week, allowing them to earn a substantial income while enjoying flexible schedules common in settings like skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, and outpatient clinics. The hourly range varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $25.58 and top earners making up to $52.77 per hour, reflecting the diverse experience levels and specialized skills within the field. Such estimates derive from annual salary data, giving prospective occupational therapy assistants in San Bernardino a clear picture of potential earnings and opportunities in different care environments.
About the San Bernardino 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) | $25.58 | $204.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.04 | $272.32 |
| Median (P50) | $39.62 | $316.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.86 | $350.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.77 | $422.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Bernardino
Based on $39.62/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.62/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Bernardino, CA can expect to earn approximately $82,416 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,548. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Bernardino.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Bernardino
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,584.92 | $6,868 | $82,416 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $950.95 | $4,121 | $49,449 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $633.97 | $2,747 | $32,966 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (San Bernardino) | $39.62 |
| 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 San Bernardino, CA earn a median of $82,422 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.88% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 5.00% below the California state average of $86,760.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.62/hr = $49,449/year (purchasing power: $43,722).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,416/year (purchasing power: $72,870).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$32.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.54/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.62/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in San Bernardino (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.79/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.55/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.91/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.25/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.72/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.54/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.62/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in San Bernardino grew 17.5% from $32.79/hr (2019) to $38.54/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.74/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 San Bernardino 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 San Bernardino
For those choosing a part-time schedule as an occupational therapy assistant, working 24 hours a week translates to an annual income that can significantly differ from that of full-time colleagues. While full-time practitioners may enjoy benefits and higher overall earnings, part-time assistants can still create a solid income stream. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in San Bernardino typically ranges between $30 to $45 per hour, with travel positions offering even more competitive packages, sometimes exceeding $1,700 per week. Variability in hourly rates often arises from the type of employer; for instance, skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics may offer lower initial figures compared to school contracts or home health agencies that might provide comprehensive benefits. Occupational therapy assistants are advised to weigh options carefully when considering roles that offer higher hourly wages without benefits against those that may offer lower pay but include health coverage. When negotiating salaries, practical tips for those new to the field include researching local pay rates and being clear about experience and any special certifications, ensuring they are compensated fairly for their skills in the evolving landscape of therapy services in CA.
More salary data for San Bernardino, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in San Bernardino in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in San Bernardino?
Are occupational therapy assistants in San Bernardino paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in San Bernardino?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in San Bernardino?
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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 San Bernardino. 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 San Bernardino 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