Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary in San Diego, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA

Median annual salary $80,720 +18.1% vs national
Median hourly $38.81
10th percentile $72,110
90th percentile $96,580
Employed locally 270
National median $68,340

Compare Occupational Therapy Assistants salary & buying power

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Occupational Therapy Assistants
in
San Diego, CA
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $72,110
    25th
    $77,780
    50th (median)
    $80,720
    75th
    $93,380
    90th
    $96,580

    San Diego economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.30% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $102,285 2023 • Census ACS
    Occupational Therapy Assistants salary vs area income 79% Median Occupational Therapy Assistants salary is 21% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Occupational Therapy Assistants

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $96,500
    Modesto, CA $93,440
    Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA $92,040
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $91,300
    Stockton-Lodi, CA $84,400
    Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $83,230

    Nearby metros — Occupational Therapy Assistants salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $96,500
    Modesto, CA $93,440
    Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA $92,040
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $91,300
    Stockton-Lodi, CA $84,400
    Bakersfield-Delano, CA $83,200

    Related occupations in San Diego, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Home Health and Personal Care Aides $35,050
    Nursing Assistants $46,600
    Medical Assistants $47,780
    Dental Assistants $46,420
    Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers $44,830
    Massage Therapists $41,600

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Occupational Therapy Assistants make per hour in San Diego?

    The median hourly wage for Occupational Therapy Assistants in San Diego, CA is $38.81, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $49.72 or more per hour.

    Is San Diego above or below average for Occupational Therapy Assistants salaries?

    The median Occupational Therapy Assistants salary in San Diego, CA is 18.1% above the national median of $68,340. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Occupational Therapy Assistants in San Diego?

    Entry-level Occupational Therapy Assistants (10th percentile) earn around $72,110 per year in San Diego, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $77,780.