Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Antioch, CA: $85,708 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Antioch, CA earns a median $85,708/year (≈ $41.21/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Antioch's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $75,781 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for occupational therapy assistants in Antioch, California, reaches $85,708, notably higher than the national median of $74,332. The salary range for this role spans from $60,461 at the 10th percentile to $110,006 at the 90th percentile, providing an attractive earning potential for both new entrants and seasoned professionals. These figures come from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, reflecting not only expectations for local employment growth but also the cost of living adjustments specific to the Antioch region. As occupational therapy assistants consider the COTA-to-MOT bridge, this pathway can substantially enhance their lifetime earning prospects, especially given the strong demand for skilled professionals within local healthcare facilities.
About the Antioch Market
Salary estimated from California average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,461 | $29.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $72,331 | $34.77 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $85,708 | $41.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $96,215 | $46.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $110,006 | $52.89 |
Median Salary Position
15.30% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Antioch
In Antioch, CA, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,545 (2026 est.). At $85,708, the local median is 15.3% above the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Antioch: You'd be above the median
How Antioch Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Antioch median: $85,708/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Antioch Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $86,749 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | +15.30% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Antioch, CA earn a median of $85,708 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.30% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 1.20% below the California state average of $86,749.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Antioch has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Antioch, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $85,708 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $75,781 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$70,924
2025 BLS Actual
$83,365
2026 Current Est.
$85,708
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Antioch (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70,924 | Actual |
| 2020 | $72,573 | Actual |
| 2021 | $71,177 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,083 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,265 | Actual |
| 2024 | $89,371 | Actual |
| 2025 | $83,365 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,708 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,116 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Antioch metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $70,924 (2019) to $83,365 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $88,116 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,192 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Antioch 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $60,461 – $72,331 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $72,331 – $85,708 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $85,708 – $96,215 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $96,215 – $110,006 |
OTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapy assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Market in Antioch
The job market for occupational therapy assistants in Antioch is relatively stable, with approximately 17 professionals currently employed in the area. However, the cost of living index is above the national average at 113.1, impacting the purchasing power of these salaries. Skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation centers tend to offer the most competitive salaries in Antioch, capitalizing on the need for OT services in these higher-stakes environments. Factors influencing the variance in pay include productivity expectations, seasonal contract differences, and the recent 15% Medicare reimbursement cut affecting outpatient and skilled nursing settings. To maximize occupational therapy assistant pay in Antioch, embracing a variety of work settings, including PRN opportunities, can be advantageous. Additionally, considering direct employment with school districts or seeking year-round contracts can provide a more stable income, enhancing financial well-being in a city where the cost of living slightly compresses take-home earnings.
More salary data for Antioch, 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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $83,365 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Antioch metropolitan area. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Antioch 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