Irvine vs San Diego: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Irvine, CA and San Diego, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Irvine, CA | San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $90,138▲ | $85,003 |
| Hourly Rate | $43.33▲ | $40.87 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,065 | $72,995▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $76,174 | $79,123▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $103,854▲ | $96,446 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $118,034▲ | $106,316 |
| Total Employed | 72 | 360▲ |
Verdict
Irvine, CA offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Diego.
The salary gap between Irvine and San Diego is $5,135 (6.04%). Irvine's median is +21.26% compared to the US national median of $74,332.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Irvine spans $54,969,San Diego spans $33,321. Irvine has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Irvine ($79,698 effective) pays 4.90% more than San Diego ($75,972 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Irvine if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($90,138/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($118,034)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $79,698)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Diego if…
- ✓Larger job market (360 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Irvine grew -6.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.6% growth in San Diego over the same period.
Irvine, CA
$93,989 (2024) → $87,674 (2025)
San Diego, CA
$67,450 (2019) → $82,680 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Irvine, CA
San Diego, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Irvine or San Diego?
What is the hourly rate difference between Irvine and San Diego?
Should I relocate from Irvine to San Diego as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Irvine vs San Diego?
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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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.81% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
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