Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Downey, CA: $87,860 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Downey, CA earns a median $87,860/year (≈ $42.24/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Downey's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $77,683 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for occupational therapy assistants in Downey, California, is estimated at $87,860, surpassing the national median of $74,332 by a significant margin of 18.20%. Salaries in the region span a wide range, with figures varying from $58,208 at the 10th percentile to as high as $114,130 at the 90th percentile. These estimates are further refined by adjustments for local cost-of-living factors. The unique dynamics of Downey's job market reflect the ongoing repercussions of the 15% Medicare Part B cut, particularly affecting those working in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and outpatient settings compared to those in school districts and hospital environments. This context provides a clearer picture of how occupational therapy assistant pay in Downey CA is structured, influenced by both setting and the changing landscape of reimbursement policies.
About the Downey Market
Salary estimated from California average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,208 | $27.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $74,808 | $35.96 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $87,860 | $42.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $99,236 | $47.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $114,130 | $54.87 |
Median Salary Position
18.20% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Downey
In Downey, CA, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $55,922 (2026 est.). At $87,860, the local median is 18.2% above the national median of $74,332.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Downey: You'd be above the median
How Downey Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Downey median: $87,860/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Downey Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $86,733 | +1.30% more |
| National Average | $74,332 | +18.20% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Downey, CA earn a median of $87,860 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.20% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 1.30% above the California state average of $86,733.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Downey has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Downey, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $87,860 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $77,683 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$72,705
2025 BLS Actual
$85,459
2026 Current Est.
$87,860
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Downey (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $72,705 | Actual |
| 2020 | $74,395 | Actual |
| 2021 | $72,965 | Actual |
| 2022 | $75,944 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,206 | Actual |
| 2024 | $91,615 | Actual |
| 2025 | $85,459 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $87,860 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90,329 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Downey metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $72,705 (2019) to $85,459 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $90,329 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,624 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Downey 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) | $58,208 – $74,808 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $74,808 – $87,860 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $87,860 – $99,236 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $99,236 – $114,130 |
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 Downey
Examining the local job market, there are currently 22 occupational therapy assistants employed in Downey, indicating a steady demand despite competitive pressures. With a cost of living index of 113.1, professionals must consider how this translates into purchasing power, as housing and other living costs are somewhat elevated compared to the national average. Employers that typically offer higher salaries include hospital inpatient rehab facilities, which may provide better compensation than SNFs. Factors driving the disparity in pay often relate to the work environment, with hospital positions generally offering more favorable rates. To maximize earnings in this market, occupational therapy assistants should explore school-year contracts for summer breaks or seek PRN shifts in acute care settings, which often provide additional pay incentives during peak times. Strategies that incorporate flexibility into one's employment arrangements can also be advantageous as demand fluctuates.
More salary data for Downey, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Downey, CA in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Downey?
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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 $85,459 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Downey 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 Downey 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