Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary in California
Occupational Therapy Assistants in California earn a median annual wage of $81,770 —13.1% above the national median of $72,300. That ranks CA #2 of 50 covered states and territories for this occupation.
Wage distribution
How earnings are spread across workers in this occupation, from the 10th to the 90th percentile.
Employment is only 0.64× as concentrated as the national average — this occupation is relatively scarce in California.
Highest-paying states for occupational therapy assistants
All 50 states ranked by median annual wage. California is highlighted.
| # | State | Median annual | Median hourly | Employment | Location quotient |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maryland | $82,010 | $39.43 | 710 | 0.78 |
| 2 | California | $81,770 | $39.31 | 3,840 | 0.64 |
| 3 | Texas | $81,500 | $39.19 | 5,610 | 1.21 |
| 4 | Nevada | $79,510 | $38.23 | 220 | 0.42 |
| 5 | Arkansas | $78,940 | $37.95 | 730 | 1.69 |
| 6 | Delaware | $78,640 | $37.81 | 220 | 1.39 |
| 7 | Washington | $77,590 | $37.30 | 720 | 0.61 |
| 8 | New Mexico | $77,020 | $37.03 | 300 | 1.04 |
| 9 | Oregon | $76,850 | $36.95 | 250 | 0.38 |
| 10 | Georgia | $75,920 | $36.50 | 1,060 | 0.66 |
Related occupations in California
Occupations in the same job family, compared within California.
| Occupation | California median | U.S. median |
|---|---|---|
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $34,320 | $35,800 |
| Nursing Assistants | $47,630 | $42,260 |
| Medical Assistants | $49,660 | $45,690 |
| Dental Assistants | $50,110 | $48,070 |
| Phlebotomists | $56,040 | $45,230 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | $46,260 | $38,150 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in California?
The median annual wage for occupational therapy assistants in California is $81,770, or $39.31 per hour. That is 13.1% above the national median of $72,300.
What is the entry-level occupational therapy assistants salary in California?
Workers at the 10th percentile earn $65,680 per year ($31.58/hour). The 25th percentile is $76,350.
How many people work as occupational therapy assistants in California?
About 3,840 people work in this occupation in California, or 0.2 per 1,000 jobs statewide.
Is California a good state for occupational therapy assistants?
California ranks #2 of 50 states by median wage for this occupation. Employment is only 0.64x as concentrated as the national average, so this occupation is relatively scarce in California.
Which state pays occupational therapy assistants the most?
Maryland has the highest median wage at $82,010 per year, followed by California ($81,770) and Texas ($81,500).