Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Yuba City, CA: $41.39 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Yuba City, CA runs $41.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,100 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Yuba City's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.60 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,656 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Yuba City, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay stands at a competitive $41.39, significantly exceeding the national median hourly rate of $35.74. This higher compensation reflects both the demand for occupational therapy assistants in various settings—such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, and outpatient clinics—and the impact of the unique economic conditions in California. For workers seeking part-time opportunities, such as those committing to three days a week, the potential earnings can remain appealing, with entry-level assistants starting at about $28.13 and experienced professionals earning up to $50.07 per hour. These rates provide flexibility for per-diem therapists as well, whose earnings can vary widely based on their areas of specialty and the facilities they choose to work in, fueled by the backdrop of Yuba City’s healthcare landscape.
About the Yuba City 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) | $28.13 | $225.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.49 | $291.90 |
| Median (P50) | $41.39 | $331.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.70 | $357.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.07 | $400.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Yuba City
Based on $41.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.39/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Yuba City, CA can expect to earn approximately $86,094 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,670. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Yuba City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Yuba City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,655.65 | $7,174 | $86,094 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $993.39 | $4,305 | $51,656 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $662.26 | $2,870 | $34,438 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Yuba City) | $41.39 |
| 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 Yuba City, CA earn a median of $86,100 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.83% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 0.80% below the California state average of $86,795.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.39/hr = $51,656/year (purchasing power: $45,673).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,094/year (purchasing power: $76,122).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$34.25/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.39/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Yuba City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.25/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.05/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.37/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.78/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.16/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Yuba City grew 17.5% from $34.25/hr (2019) to $40.26/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.55/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 Yuba City 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 Yuba City
Considering part-time roles, an occupational therapy assistant working 24 hours a week could bring in approximately $51,543 annually, a figure that still reflects a meaningful income but falls short of full-time compensation. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Yuba City typically ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, creating an option for therapists who prefer flexible schedules. Contract opportunities can also yield substantial pay, especially with travel positions offering weekly rates of $1,100 to $1,700. However, the recent cuts in Medicare reimbursements for OTA services have led to more cautious spending by many skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics, where hourly rates have faced pressure. When negotiating pay, it’s essential to consider potential benefits like health insurance, which might lead some professionals to accept lower hourly rates. Ultimately, understanding the varied compensation landscape across different employer types—such as schools versus outpatient centers—can aid COTAs in securing the best opportunities tailored to their professional goals in Yuba City, CA.
More salary data for Yuba City, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Yuba City in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Yuba City?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Yuba City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Yuba City?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Yuba City?
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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 Yuba City. 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 Yuba City 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