Sacramento vs San Bernardino: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Sacramento, CA and San Bernardino, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sacramento, CA | San Bernardino, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $97,855▲ | $82,422 |
| Hourly Rate | $47.05▲ | $39.62 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,328▲ | $53,205 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,327▲ | $70,804 |
| 75th Percentile | $103,478▲ | $91,235 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $110,757▲ | $109,772 |
| Total Employed | 170▲ | 33 |
Verdict
Sacramento, CA offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to San Bernardino.
The salary gap between Sacramento and San Bernardino is $15,433 (18.72%). Sacramento's median is +31.65% compared to the US national median of $74,332.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Sacramento spans $31,429,San Bernardino spans $56,567. San Bernardino 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, Sacramento ($91,736 effective) pays 25.88% more than San Bernardino ($72,875 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($97,855/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($110,757)
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $91,736)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Bernardino if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Sacramento grew 5.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -14.1% growth in San Bernardino over the same period.
Sacramento, CA
$89,910 (2019) → $95,180 (2025)
San Bernardino, CA
$93,310 (2024) → $80,169 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sacramento, CA
San Bernardino, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Sacramento or San Bernardino?
What is the hourly rate difference between Sacramento and San Bernardino?
Should I relocate from Sacramento to San Bernardino as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Sacramento vs San Bernardino?
Related Comparisons
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