Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Citrus Heights, CA: $86,395 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Citrus Heights, CA earns a median $86,395/year (≈ $41.54/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Citrus Heights's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $76,388 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.4% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Citrus Heights, California, can expect a median annual salary of $86,395 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $74,332. This salary reflects a range from $59,178 for the lowest 10% to $105,092 for the highest 90%, indicating a healthy job market influenced by the structural divide in healthcare settings. The impact of recent Medicare cuts cannot be overlooked, particularly as skilled nursing facilities have experienced reduced funding. These shifts have led to varied compensation structures across different employment settings, making it crucial for professionals in Citrus Heights to understand local market conditions and the specific challenges faced within the industry.
About the Citrus Heights Market
Salary estimated from California average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,178 | $28.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71,332 | $34.30 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $86,395 | $41.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $93,660 | $45.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $105,092 | $50.52 |
Median Salary Position
16.23% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Citrus Heights
In Citrus Heights, CA, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,914 (2026 est.). At $86,395, the local median is 16.23% above the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Citrus Heights: You'd be above the median
How Citrus Heights Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Citrus Heights median: $86,395/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Citrus Heights Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $86,742 | -0.40% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | +16.23% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Citrus Heights, CA earn a median of $86,395 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.23% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 0.40% below the California state average of $86,742.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Citrus Heights has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Citrus Heights, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $86,395 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $76,388 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$71,493
2025 BLS Actual
$84,034
2026 Current Est.
$86,395
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Citrus Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,493 | Actual |
| 2020 | $73,155 | Actual |
| 2021 | $71,749 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,678 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,885 | Actual |
| 2024 | $90,088 | Actual |
| 2025 | $84,034 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,395 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,823 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Citrus Heights metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $71,493 (2019) to $84,034 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $88,823 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,330 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Citrus Heights 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) | $59,178 – $71,332 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $71,332 – $86,395 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $86,395 – $93,660 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $93,660 – $105,092 |
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 Citrus Heights
In Citrus Heights, approximately 19 occupational therapy assistants currently practice, a number that suggests a competitive local job market for new graduates and experienced professionals alike. However, the cost of living in the area, with an index of 113.1, presents challenges for take-home purchasing power. Employment opportunities at skilled nursing facilities and inpatient rehabilitation centers generally offer the highest salaries due to their demand for qualitative therapeutic services. The disparity in compensation is attributed to factors such as setting, productivity expectations, and the ongoing effects of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut. For those seeking to maximize their occupational therapy assistant pay in Citrus Heights, strategies could include targeting year-round contracts or pursuing roles in higher-paying facilities, particularly where the demand for OTA services is strongest. Proactively remaining updated on the evolving healthcare landscape and pursuing certifications can also enhance earnings potential.
More salary data for Citrus Heights, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Citrus Heights, CA in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Citrus Heights?
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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 $84,034 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Citrus Heights 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 Citrus Heights 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