Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Baldwin Park, CA: $84,601 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Baldwin Park, CA earns a median $84,601/year (≈ $40.67/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Baldwin Park's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $74,802 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Baldwin Park, California, the projected occupational therapy assistant salary for 2026 is $84,601 annually, making it notably higher than the national median of $74,332. This local estimate is derived from 2025 BLS data and reflects adjustments for the regional cost of living. The salary range for this position in Baldwin Park varies significantly, with entry-level compensation starting at approximately $61,804 and experienced professionals earning up to $104,534. This spectrum in pay highlights a competitive job market for occupational therapy assistants, influenced by factors such as the demand for services and the high productivity expectations that drive effective compensation structures.
About the Baldwin Park Market
Salary estimated from California average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,804 | $29.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $70,954 | $34.11 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $84,601 | $40.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $92,885 | $44.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $104,534 | $50.25 |
Median Salary Position
13.82% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Baldwin Park
In Baldwin Park, CA, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,730 (2026 est.). At $84,601, the local median is 13.82% above the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Baldwin Park: You'd be above the median
How Baldwin Park Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Baldwin Park median: $84,601/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Baldwin Park Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $86,771 | -2.50% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | +13.82% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Baldwin Park, CA earn a median of $84,601 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.82% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 2.50% below the California state average of $86,771.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Baldwin Park has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Baldwin Park, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $84,601 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $74,802 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$70,008
2025 BLS Actual
$82,289
2026 Current Est.
$84,601
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Baldwin Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70,008 | Actual |
| 2020 | $71,636 | Actual |
| 2021 | $70,259 | Actual |
| 2022 | $73,127 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,268 | Actual |
| 2024 | $88,217 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,289 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,601 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86,979 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Baldwin Park metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $70,008 (2019) to $82,289 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $86,979 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,971 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Baldwin Park 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) | $61,804 – $70,954 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $70,954 – $84,601 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $84,601 – $92,885 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $92,885 – $104,534 |
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 Baldwin Park
The occupational therapy assistant job market in Baldwin Park is characterized by the presence of 19 practitioners, showcasing a small yet stable employment base. With a cost-of-living index at 113.1, many professionals may find that their take-home pay does not stretch as far as it might in areas with lower living costs. Employers offering the highest pay typically include skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation, where funding can support better compensation. However, factors such as the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut—implemented in 2022—has impacted pay scales across the board, particularly in outpatient and skilled nursing settings. Aspiring COTAs might maximize their earnings by seeking positions in these higher-paying environments or considering year-round contracts that can offer more stability compared to school-district roles. Understanding the dynamics between different settings can empower occupational therapy assistants in Baldwin Park to secure the best compensation for their skills.
More salary data for Baldwin Park, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Baldwin Park?
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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 $82,289 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Baldwin Park 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 Baldwin Park 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