Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Fairfield, CA: $89,465 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Fairfield, CA earns a median $89,465/year (≈ $43.02/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Fairfield's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $79,103 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.1% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $89,465 for occupational therapy assistants in Fairfield, CA, the local market demonstrates robust compensation relative to national figures. The salaries in this area range from $62,112 at the lower end (P10) to $110,200 at the upper tier (P90), reflecting significant variation based on factors like experience and setting. These figures are based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost dynamics. Compared to the national median of $74,332 for 2026, this reflects a noteworthy advantage, positioning Fairfield's compensation approximately 20.36% higher. The strong demand for occupational therapy services in the region is shaping an encouraging job market, making it a prime location for aspiring COTAs.
About the Fairfield Market
Salary estimated from California average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,112 | $29.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $74,746 | $35.93 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $89,465 | $43.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $97,684 | $46.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $110,200 | $52.98 |
Median Salary Position
20.36% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fairfield
In Fairfield, CA, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,088 (2026 est.). At $89,465, the local median is 20.36% above the national median of $74,332.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fairfield: You'd be above the median
How Fairfield Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Fairfield median: $89,465/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fairfield Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $86,775 | +3.10% more |
| National Average | $74,332 | +20.36% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Fairfield, CA earn a median of $89,465 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.36% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 3.10% above the California state average of $86,775.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fairfield has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fairfield, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $89,465 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $79,103 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$74,033
2025 BLS Actual
$87,020
2026 Current Est.
$89,465
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Fairfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $74,033 | Actual |
| 2020 | $75,754 | Actual |
| 2021 | $74,298 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,331 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,653 | Actual |
| 2024 | $93,289 | Actual |
| 2025 | $87,020 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $89,465 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $91,979 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fairfield metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $74,033 (2019) to $87,020 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $91,979 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,946 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fairfield 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) | $62,112 – $74,746 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $74,746 – $89,465 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $89,465 – $97,684 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $97,684 – $110,200 |
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 Fairfield
The job market for occupational therapy assistants in Fairfield is relatively solid, with 25 professionals currently employed in the area. However, the cost of living index stands at 113.1, which signifies a higher-than-average expense for residents compared to national standards. This factor impacts take-home pay as living costs may offset some of the attractive salary projections. Facilities such as skilled nursing homes or hospital inpatient rehab typically offer higher compensation than outpatient clinics or school district roles, especially in light of the recent 15% Medicare cut affecting OTA services. Variability in pay often results from differences in productivity expectations and whether positions are year-round or school-year based. To maximize earning potential in Fairfield, COTAs should consider roles in higher-paying settings and leverage any opportunities for weekend or PRN shifts, which often come with premium pay. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for anyone looking to navigate the occupational therapy assistant pay landscape in Fairfield, CA.
More salary data for Fairfield, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Fairfield?
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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 $87,020 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Fairfield 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 Fairfield 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