Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Vallejo, CA: $41.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Vallejo, CA runs $41.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $85,891 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Vallejo's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,528 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Vallejo, California, the projected median hourly pay for occupational therapy assistants is $41.29, which notably exceeds the national median of $35.74. This higher pay rate reflects the local demand for qualified COTAs amidst a unique cost of living. For those working part-time three days a week, this hourly rate can translate to approximately $1,041 weekly before taxes, a significant income for a stable work-life balance. Entry-level therapists can expect to start around $29.30 per hour, while experienced professionals can earn upwards of $51.74 per hour. This financial structure is particularly advantageous for COTAs engaged in diverse settings such as outpatient clinics, school therapy rooms, and skilled nursing facilities, where the demand for services remains robust.
About the Vallejo 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) | $29.30 | $234.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.06 | $272.49 |
| Median (P50) | $41.29 | $330.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.51 | $364.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.74 | $413.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Vallejo
Based on $41.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.29/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Vallejo, CA can expect to earn approximately $85,880 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,546. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Vallejo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Vallejo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,651.54 | $7,157 | $85,880 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $990.92 | $4,294 | $51,528 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $660.62 | $2,863 | $34,352 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Vallejo) | $41.29 |
| 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 Vallejo, CA earn a median of $85,891 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.55% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 1.00% below the California state average of $86,758.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.29/hr = $51,528/year (purchasing power: $45,560).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $85,880/year (purchasing power: $75,933).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$34.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.16/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Vallejo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.29/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.69/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.22/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.06/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.16/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Vallejo grew 17.5% from $34.17/hr (2019) to $40.16/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.45/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 Vallejo 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 Vallejo
Occupational therapy assistants working on a part-time basis in Vallejo may find their annual earnings notably different when compared to their full-time counterparts. For instance, a COTA working 24 hours weekly could potentially take home roughly $54,000 per year, establishing a comfortable living despite working fewer hours. In per diem situations, COTAs commonly earn between $30 and $45 per hour, with travel contracts offering lucrative weekly compensation ranging from $1,100 to $1,700. However, the recent reimbursement cuts have led to a decline in premium pay, particularly in skilled nursing facilities. Different employer types affect earning potential significantly—outpatient clinics might offer lower hourly rates compared to home health agencies that provide benefits packages. Therefore, many opt for lower hourly pay in exchange for health insurance and job security. For those negotiating pay in Vallejo, it’s beneficial to articulate one’s skills and experience, emphasizing the value brought to diverse patient populations while remaining flexible with work conditions.
More salary data for Vallejo, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Vallejo in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Vallejo?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Vallejo paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Vallejo?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Vallejo?
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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 Vallejo. 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 Vallejo 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