Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Elk Grove, CA: $88,092 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Elk Grove, CA earns a median $88,092/year (≈ $42.35/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Elk Grove's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $77,889 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Elk Grove, California, can expect a 2026 median annual salary of $88,092, which significantly surpasses the national median of $74,332. This robust income reflects a salary range from $58,991 at the tenth percentile to $108,968 at the ninetieth percentile, providing a broad spectrum of earning potential for professionals in the field. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, and adjusted for regional cost factors that influence local compensation. Elk Grove's salary levels, especially in the context of the COTA-to-MOT bridge pathway, can also enhance long-term financial prospects as occupational therapy assistants pursue further education and credentials.
About the Elk Grove Market
Salary estimated from California average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,991 | $28.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71,957 | $34.60 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $88,092 | $42.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $96,457 | $46.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $108,968 | $52.39 |
Median Salary Position
18.51% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elk Grove
In Elk Grove, CA, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,977 (2026 est.). At $88,092, the local median is 18.51% above the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Elk Grove: You'd be above the median
How Elk Grove Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Elk Grove median: $88,092/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Elk Grove Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $86,790 | +1.50% more |
| National Average | $74,332 | +18.51% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Elk Grove, CA earn a median of $88,092 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.51% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 1.50% above the California state average of $86,790.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Elk Grove has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Elk Grove, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $88,092 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $77,889 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$72,897
2025 BLS Actual
$85,684
2026 Current Est.
$88,092
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Elk Grove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $72,897 | Actual |
| 2020 | $74,591 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,157 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,144 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,415 | Actual |
| 2024 | $91,856 | Actual |
| 2025 | $85,684 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $88,092 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90,567 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Elk Grove metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $72,897 (2019) to $85,684 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $90,567 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,670 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elk Grove 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) | $58,991 – $71,957 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $71,957 – $88,092 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $88,092 – $96,457 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $96,457 – $108,968 |
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 Elk Grove
The local job market for occupational therapy assistants is relatively stable, with approximately 25 professionals currently employed in Elk Grove. However, the cost of living index of 113.1 indicates that expenses may be higher than the national average, which could affect take-home purchasing power. In terms of compensation, skilled nursing facilities typically offer the highest pay, followed by hospital inpatient rehabilitation settings. Factors driving disparities in wages include work setting, productivity expectations, and the effects of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut for OTA-provided services. To maximize earnings, professionals in Elk Grove should consider securing contracts with school districts or home health agencies, focusing on roles that offer weekend premiums or year-round positions rather than those limited to school years.
More salary data for Elk Grove, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Elk Grove, CA in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Elk Grove?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapy assistant salary in Elk Grove?
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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 $85,684 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Elk Grove 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 Elk Grove 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