Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Santa Cruz, CA: $41.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Santa Cruz, CA runs $41.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,780 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Santa Cruz's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,067 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Santa Cruz, occupational therapy assistants can expect an hourly rate of $41.72, which significantly surpasses the national median of $35.74. This premium pay reflects not just the cost of living in the region but also the demand for these professionals across various settings like skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, outpatient clinics, and home health visits. For part-time workers, particularly those opting for a 3-day workweek, this hourly wage translates into a stable income stream, allowing for flexible schedules. Entry-level positions may see hourly rates starting around $31.00, while top earners can command as much as $53.77 per hour, creating a promising range for occupational therapy assistants in Santa Cruz.
About the Santa Cruz 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) | $31.00 | $247.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.26 | $290.09 |
| Median (P50) | $41.72 | $333.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.54 | $356.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.77 | $430.16 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santa Cruz
Based on $41.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.72/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santa Cruz, CA can expect to earn approximately $86,778 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,064. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Santa Cruz.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santa Cruz
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,668.81 | $7,232 | $86,778 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,001.29 | $4,339 | $52,067 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $667.52 | $2,893 | $34,711 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Santa Cruz) | $41.72 |
| 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 Santa Cruz, CA earn a median of $86,780 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.75% higher than the national median of $74,332.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.72/hr = $52,067/year (purchasing power: $46,036).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,778/year (purchasing power: $76,727).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$34.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.58/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.72/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Santa Cruz (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.65/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.50/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.58/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.89/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Santa Cruz grew 17.5% from $34.52/hr (2019) to $40.58/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.89/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 Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz
Exploring the earning potential for a part-time occupational therapy assistant working 24 hours per week reveals a distinct financial picture compared to those on full-time contracts. With the median hourly pay, part-time workers can earn approximately $53,438 annually, while full-time professionals have the opportunity to capitalize on their hours for a more substantial income. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Santa Cruz varies as well, with rates between $30 and $45 per hour depending on the facility and specific needs. Travel contracts for occupational therapy assistants may yield weekly pay ranging from $1,100 to $1,700, which is attractive for those looking for flexibility. It's crucial to remember that hourly rates can differ widely based on the type of employer—those working in skilled nursing facilities or early intervention programs might see different pay scales than outpatient clinic staff. When negotiating pay rates, professionals should weigh the benefits of comprehensive packages against higher hourly rates without health insurance, ensuring they make informed choices aligned with their career goals and financial needs in a city with a high cost of living.
More salary data for Santa Cruz, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Santa Cruz in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Santa Cruz?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Santa Cruz paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Santa Cruz?
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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 Santa Cruz. 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 Santa Cruz 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