Modesto vs Riverside: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Modesto, CA and Riverside, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Modesto, CA | Riverside, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $98,914▲ | $82,320 |
| Hourly Rate | $47.55▲ | $39.58 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,742▲ | $67,505 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,829▲ | $78,352 |
| 75th Percentile | $104,003▲ | $87,872 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $108,557▲ | $101,083 |
| Total Employed | 30 | 400▲ |
Verdict
Modesto, CA offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Riverside.
The salary gap between Modesto and Riverside is $16,594 (20.16%). Modesto's median is +33.07% compared to the US national median of $74,332.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Modesto spans $29,815,Riverside spans $33,578. Riverside has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapy assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Modesto ($95,011 effective) pays 22.85% more than Riverside ($77,338 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Modesto if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($98,914/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($108,557)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $95,011)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Riverside if…
- ✓Larger job market (400 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Modesto grew 30.3% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 9.5% growth in Riverside over the same period.
Modesto, CA
$73,860 (2021) → $96,210 (2025)
Riverside, CA
$73,120 (2019) → $80,070 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Modesto, CA
Riverside, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Modesto or Riverside?
What is the hourly rate difference between Modesto and Riverside?
Should I relocate from Modesto to Riverside as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Modesto vs Riverside?
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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