Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Perris, CA: $84,821 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Perris, CA earns a median $84,821/year (≈ $40.77/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Perris's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $74,996 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Perris, CA, can anticipate a median annual salary of $84,821 in 2026, reflecting a notable 14.11% increase compared to the national median of $74,332. The local salary range showcases significant variability, from a lower bracket of $62,052 (P10) to an upper tier of $105,457 (P90), allowing for a diverse set of earnings according to experience and workplace. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost of living, illustrate the competitive compensation landscape for occupational therapy assistants. With the ongoing COTA-to-MOT bridging options, embracing further education could enhance lifetime earning potential, solidifying a favorable position within the Perris job market, which is currently supported by a modest demand for qualified professionals.
About the Perris Market
Salary estimated from California average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,052 | $29.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $73,256 | $35.22 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $84,821 | $40.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $95,177 | $45.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $105,457 | $50.70 |
Median Salary Position
14.11% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Perris
In Perris, CA, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $43,405 (2026 est.). At $84,821, the local median is 14.11% above the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Perris: You'd be above the median
How Perris Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Perris median: $84,821/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Perris Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $86,729 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | +14.11% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Perris, CA earn a median of $84,821 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.11% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 2.20% below the California state average of $86,729.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Perris has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Perris, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $84,821 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $74,996 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$70,190
2025 BLS Actual
$82,503
2026 Current Est.
$84,821
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Perris (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70,190 | Actual |
| 2020 | $71,822 | Actual |
| 2021 | $70,441 | Actual |
| 2022 | $73,317 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,466 | Actual |
| 2024 | $88,447 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,503 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,821 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,205 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Perris metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $70,190 (2019) to $82,503 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $87,205 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,015 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Perris 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) | $62,052 – $73,256 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $73,256 – $84,821 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $84,821 – $95,177 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $95,177 – $105,457 |
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 Perris
In analyzing the occupational therapy assistant pay in Perris, it is crucial to consider the local employment landscape where currently 12 occupational therapy assistants are engaged. The cost of living index in Perris, at 113.1, indicates that while salaries may appear attractive, real purchasing power requires careful budgeting. The highest-paying employers in this area are generally found in skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation settings; these positions often offer premium rates. Variations in pay stem from factors including performance expectations, differences in employer funding, and the 15% reduction in Medicare reimbursements that affects OTAs in various settings. To maximize earnings, professionals in Perris should seek employment in high-demand areas and consider opportunities for contract roles or additional certifications, especially those able to take advantage of year-round contracts which may offer greater financial stability compared to school year positions.
More salary data for Perris, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Perris, CA in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Perris?
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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 $82,503 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Perris 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 Perris 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