As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Occupational Therapy Assistant in California is $68,940 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $33.
However, an Occupational Therapy Assistant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Occupational Therapy Assistant Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $75,519 | $6,293 | $1,452 | $36 |
| Average | $68,940 | $5,745 | $1,326 | $33 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,740 | $5,228 | $1,207 | $30 |
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An Occupational Therapy Assistant's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Occupational Therapy Assistant's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Occupational Therapy Assistant | $67,331 |
| Intermediate Level Occupational Therapy Assistant | $68,649 |
| Senior Level Occupational Therapy Assistant | $71,359 |
| Specialist Level Occupational Therapy Assistant | $71,649 |
| Expert Level Occupational Therapy Assistant | $71,842 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Occupational Therapy Assistants. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Occupational Therapy Assistant roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Occupational Therapy Assistant positions in Edu., Government & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Occupational Therapy Assistant as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $75,834 | $36.0 | 10% |
Understanding how an Occupational Therapy Assistant's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $75,519 | $6,293 | $1,452 | $36 |
| Average | $68,940 | $5,745 | $1,326 | $33 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,740 | $5,228 | $1,207 | $30 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Occupational Therapy Assistant job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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