San Diego vs San Jose: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between San Diego, CA and San Jose, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | San Jose, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $85,003 | $98,050▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.87 | $47.14▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,995 | $76,563▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $79,123 | $79,524▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $96,446 | $106,542▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $106,316 | $124,390▲ |
| Total Employed | 360▲ | 160 |
Verdict
San Jose, CA offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Diego.
The salary gap between San Diego and San Jose is $13,047 (15.35%). San Jose's median is +31.91% compared to the US national median of $74,332.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Diego spans $33,321,San Jose spans $47,827. San Jose 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, San Jose ($88,795 effective) pays 16.88% 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 San Diego if…
- ✓Larger job market (360 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Jose if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($98,050/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($124,390)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $88,795)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in San Diego grew 22.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 82.3% growth in San Jose over the same period.
San Diego, CA
$67,450 (2019) → $82,680 (2025)
San Jose, CA
$52,310 (2019) → $95,370 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Diego, CA
San Jose, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: San Diego or San Jose?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Diego and San Jose?
Should I relocate from San Diego to San Jose as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in San Diego vs San Jose?
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