Costa Mesa vs Los Angeles: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Costa Mesa, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Costa Mesa, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $87,187▲ | $80,284 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.92▲ | $38.61 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,405 | $66,467▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $73,439 | $78,393▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $97,664▲ | $93,619 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $111,890▲ | $106,038 |
| Total Employed | 23 | 1,720▲ |
Verdict
Costa Mesa, CA offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.
The salary gap between Costa Mesa and Los Angeles is $6,903 (8.60%). Costa Mesa's median is +17.29% compared to the US national median of $74,332.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Costa Mesa spans $50,485,Los Angeles spans $39,571. Costa Mesa has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Costa Mesa ($77,088 effective) pays 9.05% more than Los Angeles ($70,694 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Costa Mesa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($87,187/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($111,890)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,088)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,720 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Costa Mesa grew -6.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 10.0% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
Costa Mesa, CA
$90,913 (2024) → $84,804 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$71,000 (2019) → $78,090 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Costa Mesa, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Costa Mesa or Los Angeles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Costa Mesa and Los Angeles?
Should I relocate from Costa Mesa to Los Angeles as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Costa Mesa vs Los Angeles?
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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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.81% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
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