Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Brentwood, CA: $86,554 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Brentwood, CA earns a median $86,554/year (≈ $41.62/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Brentwood's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $76,529 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Brentwood, California, can expect a median annual salary of $86,554 in 2026, reflecting the area's demand for skilled healthcare support. The salary range for this profession varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting at around $59,541 and experienced practitioners earning up to $111,102. These figures are local estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost considerations. The earnings potential in Brentwood notably exceeds the national median of $74,332, highlighting a favorable job market influenced by the productivity expectations of providers in this growing community.
About the Brentwood Market
Salary estimated from California average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,541 | $28.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71,653 | $34.45 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $86,554 | $41.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $94,023 | $45.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $111,102 | $53.41 |
Median Salary Position
16.44% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brentwood
In Brentwood, CA, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,561 (2026 est.). At $86,554, the local median is 16.44% above the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Brentwood: You'd be above the median
How Brentwood Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Brentwood median: $86,554/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Brentwood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $86,814 | -0.30% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | +16.44% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Brentwood, CA earn a median of $86,554 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.44% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 0.30% below the California state average of $86,814.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Brentwood has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Brentwood, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $86,554 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $76,529 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$71,624
2025 BLS Actual
$84,188
2026 Current Est.
$86,554
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Brentwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,624 | Actual |
| 2020 | $73,289 | Actual |
| 2021 | $71,880 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,814 | Actual |
| 2023 | $78,028 | Actual |
| 2024 | $90,252 | Actual |
| 2025 | $84,188 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,554 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,986 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Brentwood metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $71,624 (2019) to $84,188 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $88,986 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,362 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brentwood 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) | $59,541 – $71,653 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $71,653 – $86,554 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $86,554 – $94,023 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $94,023 – $111,102 |
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 Brentwood
Brentwood currently employs 13 occupational therapy assistants, which contributes to a tight-knit job market that can feel competitive yet rewarding for professionals. The cost of living in the area, indexed at 113.1, indicates a slightly higher expense compared to national averages, which can impact the take-home purchasing power for new graduates or those considering career shifts. Among the highest-paying employers are skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation centers, where pay often surpasses that of outpatient clinics and school districts. Factors such as the setting, productivity expectations, and the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut introduced in 2022 affect compensation rates. For those looking to maximize their occupational therapy assistant pay in Brentwood, targeting positions in inpatient settings, pursuing additional certifications, or considering year-round contracts can yield better financial outcomes. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for building a successful career while navigating the ongoing adjustments in the healthcare sector.
More salary data for Brentwood, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Brentwood, CA in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Brentwood?
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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 $84,188 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Brentwood 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 Brentwood 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