Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Anaheim, CA: $81,713 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Anaheim, CA earns a median $81,713/year (≈ $39.28/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Anaheim's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $72,248 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.8% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Anaheim, CA, garner competitive compensation, with a median annual salary projected at $81,713 for 2026. This figure positions local pay approximately 9.93% higher than the national median of $74,332. While the salary range spans from a low of $54,731 for entry-level positions to a high of $106,166 for experienced professionals, the divide among various workplaces has a significant influence on earnings. Factors such as the post-Medicare reduction in reimbursements exacerbate disparities across different environments. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) generally offer lower pay compared to hospital inpatient rehabilitation settings, where compensation is often more robust, reflecting the increasing demands for therapy services in healthcare.
About the Anaheim Market
Salary estimated from California average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,731 | $26.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66,996 | $32.21 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $81,713 | $39.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $92,018 | $44.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106,166 | $51.05 |
Median Salary Position
9.93% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Anaheim
In Anaheim, CA, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,435 (2026 est.). At $81,713, the local median is 9.93% above the national median of $74,332.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Anaheim: You'd be above the median
How Anaheim Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Anaheim median: $81,713/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Anaheim Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $86,745 | -5.80% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | +9.93% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Anaheim, CA earn a median of $81,713 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.93% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 5.80% below the California state average of $86,745.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Anaheim has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Anaheim, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $81,713 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $72,248 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$67,618
2025 BLS Actual
$79,480
2026 Current Est.
$81,713
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Anaheim (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,618 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,190 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,860 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,631 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,665 | Actual |
| 2024 | $96,695 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,480 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,713 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,010 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Anaheim metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $67,618 (2019) to $79,480 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $84,010 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,392 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Anaheim 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $54,731 – $66,996 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $66,996 – $81,713 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $81,713 – $92,018 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $92,018 – $106,166 |
OTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapy assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Market in Anaheim
The job market for occupational therapy assistants in Anaheim remains steady, with 51 positions currently filled in the area. However, the cost of living index stands at 113.1, indicating that living expenses are above the national average. This reality impacts take-home purchasing power, urging current and prospective COTAs to seek higher-paying opportunities such as hospital outpatient clinics or school district contracts. Employers most likely to provide higher salaries include those with additional funding structures that support therapy programs despite the recent Medicare cuts. To maximize earnings, COTAs should consider year-round contracts over school-year positions and explore PRN opportunities that may offer weekend premiums. Understanding these dynamics is essential for professionals navigating the occupational therapy assistant pay landscape in Anaheim, CA.
More salary data for Anaheim, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Anaheim, CA in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Anaheim?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapy assistant salary in Anaheim?
How much does a occupational therapy assistant make per hour in Anaheim?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $79,480 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Anaheim metropolitan area. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Anaheim 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