Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Upland, CA: $40.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Upland, CA runs $40.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,915 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Upland's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.67 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,348 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Upland, California, the hourly pay for occupational therapy assistants stands at a median rate of $40.34. This rate is notably higher than the national median of $35.74, reflecting the area's specific demand and cost of living factors. For those working part-time, averaging three days a week, such an hourly rate allows for a stable income while accommodating other commitments. Part-time COTAs can expect to earn between $28.83 and $50.78 per hour, depending on experience and the specific setting in which they work. Whether in skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, or school therapy rooms, the flexibility of hourly pay enables assistants to manage their work schedules effectively and potentially opt for per-diem arrangements that can also provide financial benefits.
About the Upland 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) | $28.83 | $230.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.33 | $274.63 |
| Median (P50) | $40.34 | $322.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.75 | $358.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.78 | $406.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Upland
Based on $40.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.34/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Upland, CA can expect to earn approximately $83,913 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,411. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Upland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Upland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,613.71 | $6,993 | $83,913 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $968.22 | $4,196 | $50,348 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $645.48 | $2,797 | $33,565 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Upland) | $40.34 |
| 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 Upland, CA earn a median of $83,915 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.89% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 3.30% below the California state average of $86,778.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.34/hr = $50,348/year (purchasing power: $44,516).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,913/year (purchasing power: $74,193).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$33.38/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Upland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.38/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.16/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.07/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Upland grew 17.5% from $33.38/hr (2019) to $39.24/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.48/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 Upland 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 Upland
For those considering part-time positions as occupational therapy assistants, working three days a week for a total of 24 hours means a substantial take-home pay, significantly less than a full-time salary but still considerable. Per-diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Upland often falls in the range of $30 to $45 per hour, with travel contracts emerging as an attractive option for flexibility, providing weekly earnings of $1,100 to $1,700. However, trends indicate that premium pay in skilled nursing facilities has softened following the 15% Medicare cut in reimbursement seen since 2022. COTAs employed in various environments such as outpatient clinics, school districts, or home health agencies may experience different pay scales. While some might accept a lower hourly rate for comprehensive benefits in full-time roles, others may prioritize the higher pay of per-diem positions without benefits. Negotiating rates can be crucial, especially in a competitive market like Upland, and COTAs should be aware of their local market value when discussing compensation.
More salary data for Upland, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Upland in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Upland?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Upland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Upland?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Upland?
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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 Upland. 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 Upland 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