Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Indio, CA: $85,192 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Indio, CA earns a median $85,192/year (≈ $40.96/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Indio's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $75,324 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.8% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median salary of $85,192 in 2026, occupational therapy assistants in Indio, California, can expect to earn notably more than the national median of $74,332. The salary range is robust, with the lowest 10% earning approximately $62,913 and the top 10% making about $106,655. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local cost of living, give potential COTAs in Indio a promising outlook. As many part-time workers bridge their educational path from a COTA to a Master’s Occupational Therapy (MOT) degree, this increased credentialing can significantly enhance lifetime earning potential. With health care and rehabilitation services in demand, securing a position in Indio’s job market remains an attractive opportunity.
About the Indio Market
Salary estimated from California average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,913 | $30.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $74,018 | $35.58 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $85,192 | $40.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $94,171 | $45.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106,655 | $51.28 |
Median Salary Position
14.61% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Indio
In Indio, CA, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $43,742 (2026 est.). At $85,192, the local median is 14.61% above the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Indio: You'd be above the median
How Indio Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Indio median: $85,192/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Indio Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $86,754 | -1.80% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | +14.61% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Indio, CA earn a median of $85,192 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.61% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 1.80% below the California state average of $86,754.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Indio has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Indio, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $85,192 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $75,324 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$70,497
2025 BLS Actual
$82,864
2026 Current Est.
$85,192
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Indio (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70,497 | Actual |
| 2020 | $72,136 | Actual |
| 2021 | $70,750 | Actual |
| 2022 | $73,638 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,801 | Actual |
| 2024 | $88,834 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,864 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,192 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,586 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Indio metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $70,497 (2019) to $82,864 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $87,586 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,089 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Indio 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) | $62,913 – $74,018 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $74,018 – $85,192 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $85,192 – $94,171 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $94,171 – $106,655 |
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 Indio
The occupational therapy assistant job market in Indio currently employs 23 individuals, reflecting a localized demand for such roles. However, the cost of living index in the area stands at 113.1, which suggests a higher-than-average living expense compared to national benchmarks. This dynamic indicates that the take-home purchasing power may fluctuate based on salary negotiations and employment settings. Among the various employers, skilled nursing facilities typically offer the most competitive pay, followed by hospital inpatient rehabilitation centers. Factors influencing pay disparities include the work setting, contractual agreements, and shifts. For example, assignments in hospitals often come with higher pressures and productivity expectations. Given the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut that began in 2022, both COTAs and employers may find themselves in a tighter financial position. Thus, those entered into outpatient clinics should consider gaining experience in more lucrative environments, optimizing their professional value while navigating the Indio market.
More salary data for Indio, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Indio?
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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 $82,864 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Indio 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 Indio 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