Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Davis, CA: $60,370 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Davis, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $60,370 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Davis's local price level (BEA RPP 113.1 — 13% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $53,378 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($83,976) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Entering the occupational therapy assistant field in Davis, California, offers promising opportunities for new graduates in 2026, with starting salaries around $60,370. For entry-level positions, comparison shows a notable gap when combined with the city’s median annual salary of $83,976, indicating room for growth as professionals gain experience. Within the first three to five years, new occupational therapy assistants can realistically progress from the starting pay up to $71,535, aligning closer to the median as they build skills. Given the rising demand in the healthcare sector and the projected annual growth rate of 2.81%, recent graduates are entering a favorable job market in Davis, which positions them well for advancement and income potential.
About the Davis Market
Salary estimated from California average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Davis
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Davis
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Davis, CA typically start between $60,370 and $71,535 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $42,115 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $83,976 — 12.97% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in California of $26,000 represents just 43.07% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($60,370/year) in Davis. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACOTE-accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant associate degree programs. Tuition varies between community college and private technical school settings.
OTA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Davis
- 1Research the Davis market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $60,370 to $71,535, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the occupational therapy field — employers in CA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Davis, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Davis for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Davis's above-average cost of living (index: 113.1) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Compensation Range
The occupational therapy assistant wage spread in Davis is $42,115 ( 69.76%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $60,370, experienced hygienists can earn up to $102,485.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$47,590
2025 BLS Actual
$58,720
2026 Current Est.
$60,370
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Davis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,590 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,243 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,383 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,672 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,504 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,463 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,720 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,370 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,066 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Davis, CA grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $47,590 in 2019 to $58,720 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $62,066. New graduates entering the Davis job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Davis metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.81% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your occupational therapy Career in Davis
Various employers in Davis actively seek out new graduates for occupational therapy assistant roles. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are leading the way in hiring entry-level COTAs, making them a top choice for those starting their careers. School districts also provide attractive options, especially with summer-off schedules, while outpatient clinics may have slightly higher barriers to entry due to a preference for experienced assistants. To enhance starting pay in California, essential credentials include an associate's degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, the NBCOT national exam for COTA certification, and obtaining a state occupational therapy assistant license. Continuous professional development can further widen opportunities and compensation. Within the initial years of work, salaries can expect modest increases as new graduates develop their skills. With the implementation of a 15% Medicare cut affecting OTA services, staying informed and pursuing advanced practice options through AOTA may offer new COTAs pathways to enhance their careers and stabilize their earning potential in a competitive landscape.
More salary data for Davis, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new occupational therapy graduates. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Davis. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Davis is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.81%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapy assistants (SOC 31-2011).
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