Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Chino, CA: $87,735 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Chino, CA earns a median $87,735/year (≈ $42.18/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Chino's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $77,573 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected occupational therapy assistant salary in Chino, California, is set at $87,735, which showcases a robust compensation level compared to the national median of $74,332, making it an attractive area for aspiring COTAs. The local salary range spans from $62,196 at the lower end (P10) to $106,034 at the upper end (P90), illustrating a substantial amount of variability in pay depending on various factors. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local price levels. With employment for 17 occupational therapy assistants in the area, Chino's market conditions indicate a demand for professionals equipped to meet rising healthcare needs, particularly in environments that prioritize effective patient outcomes and productivity.
About the Chino Market
Salary estimated from California average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,196 | $29.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $74,080 | $35.61 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $87,735 | $42.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $94,902 | $45.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106,034 | $50.97 |
Median Salary Position
18.03% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chino
In Chino, CA, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $43,838 (2026 est.). At $87,735, the local median is 18.03% above the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Chino: You'd be above the median
How Chino Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Chino median: $87,735/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chino Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $86,780 | +1.10% more |
| National Average | $74,332 | +18.03% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Chino, CA earn a median of $87,735 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.03% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 1.10% above the California state average of $86,780.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chino has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chino, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $87,735 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $77,573 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$72,601
2025 BLS Actual
$85,337
2026 Current Est.
$87,735
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Chino (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $72,601 | Actual |
| 2020 | $74,289 | Actual |
| 2021 | $72,861 | Actual |
| 2022 | $75,835 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,093 | Actual |
| 2024 | $91,485 | Actual |
| 2025 | $85,337 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $87,735 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90,200 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chino metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $72,601 (2019) to $85,337 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $90,200 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,599 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chino 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) | $62,196 – $74,080 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $74,080 – $87,735 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $87,735 – $94,902 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $94,902 – $106,034 |
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 Chino
As Chino continues to address its healthcare demands, the cost of living index stands at 113.1, indicating that while salaries are competitive, the living expenses are comparatively higher. This reality affects the effective take-home pay of occupational therapy assistants. Skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies generally offer the highest pay, while school districts tend to provide more stable but lower compensation. The wage disparity results from factors such as varying reimbursement rates, the 15% cut to Medicare, and the type of employment contracts, which can influence workload and flexibility. To enhance occupational therapy assistant pay in Chino, professionals should consider diversifying their skills, pursuing certification through the NBCOT, and targeting jobs in settings that optimize reimbursement rates. Understanding these dynamics can help COTAs maximize their earning potential in this competitive market.
More salary data for Chino, 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 $85,337 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Chino 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 Chino 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