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Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary in California

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Occupational Therapy Assistants make in California?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$81,770
Median Annual Salary
▲ +3.0% vs 2024
$84,690
Mean Salary
$81,770
Median Salary
$39.31
Hourly Rate
3,840 people work as Occupational Therapy Assistants in California

Occupational Therapy Assistants salary by percentile in California

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Occupational Therapy Assistants salary in California — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Occupational Therapy Assistants in California.10thBottom 10% earn less than $65,680$65,68025th25% earn less than $76,350$76,350MedianHalf earn more than $81,770$81,77075th75% earn less than $96,720$96,72090thTop 10% earn more than $104,990$104,990

Occupational Therapy Assistants in California earn a median salary of $81,770 per year ($6,814/month). This is 18.5% above the national average of $69,025. California ranks #2 out of 50 states for Occupational Therapy Assistants pay. Approximately 3,840 people work in this occupation across California. Salaries increased by 3.0% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Occupational Therapy Assistants

Assist occupational therapists in providing occupational therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, direct activity programs, and document the progress of treatments. Generally requires formal training.

Top Skills

Active Listening
3.88
Speaking
3.88
Social Perceptiveness
3.88
Service Orientation
3.88
Reading Comprehension
3.62

Key Knowledge Areas

Customer and Personal Service
4.68
Psychology
4.3
Education and Training
3.89
English Language
3.74
Therapy and Counseling
3.72
Typical Education: Associate's Degree (91.7% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Occupational Therapy Assistants in California

Salaries for Occupational Therapy Assistants in California range from $65,680 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $104,990 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $76,350 and $96,720.

Median $81,770
P10: $65,680 P25: $76,350 P75: $96,720 P90: $104,990
10th
$65,680
25th
$76,350
Median
$81,770
75th
$96,720
90th
$104,990
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $65,680 $31.58 $5,473
25th Percentile $76,350 $36.71 $6,362
Median (50th) $81,770 $39.31 $6,814
75th Percentile $96,720 $46.50 $8,060
90th Percentile (Experienced) $104,990 $50.48 $8,749

Note: The mean (average) salary of $84,690 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#2
California ranks #2 of 50 states
$69,025
National avg. for Occupational Therapy Assistants
+18.5%
vs. national average
Above Average

What does this salary really buy? See Occupational Therapy Assistants salary in California adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Occupational Therapy Assistants take-home pay in California after taxes →

Explore Occupational Therapy Assistants Data in California

After-Tax Take-Home Pay Hourly Wage Breakdown Cost-of-Living Adjusted Entry-Level vs Senior Salary Employment Outlook & Job Demand

Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary by State

Compare Occupational Therapy Assistants pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

Maryland $82,010 Texas $81,500 Nevada $79,510 Arkansas $78,940 Delaware $78,640 Washington $77,590 New Mexico $77,020 Oregon $76,850 Georgia $75,920 Colorado $75,340

View all 50 states →

Related Careers in California

Explore similar occupations and their salaries in California.

Home Health and Personal Care AidesSimilar $34,320 Physical Therapist AidesSimilar $38,330 Pharmacy AidesSimilar $42,200 Occupational Therapy AidesSimilar $43,480 Medical TranscriptionistsSimilar $45,050 Massage TherapistsSimilar $45,970 Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal CaretakersSimilar $46,260 Psychiatric AidesSimilar $47,500 Nursing AssistantsSimilar $47,630 Medical AssistantsSimilar $49,660

View all jobs in California →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Occupational Therapy Assistants make in California?
The median annual salary for Occupational Therapy Assistants in California is $81,770 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $84,690.
What is the salary range for a Occupational Therapy Assistants in California?
Salaries for Occupational Therapy Assistants in California range from $65,680 at the 10th percentile to $104,990 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $76,350 and $96,720.
What is the starting salary for a Occupational Therapy Assistants in California?
Entry-level Occupational Therapy Assistants positions in California typically start around $65,680 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $76,350 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Occupational Therapy Assistants in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 3,840 people are employed as Occupational Therapy Assistants in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Occupational Therapy Assistants in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Occupational Therapy Assistants in California is approximately $39.31 per hour.

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More About California

Salary Data
All Salaries in California Average Salary in California Highest Paying Jobs in California
Salary Thresholds
Jobs Over $100K in California $100K+ Jobs Without a Degree in California
Top Cities in California
Los Angeles San Diego San Jose San Francisco
Top Colleges in California
Academy of Art University Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences College of Alameda Allan Hancock College

Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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