Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Davis, CA: $83,976 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Davis, CA earns a median $83,976/year (≈ $40.37/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Davis's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $74,249 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.2% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Davis, California, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $83,976 in 2026, which is notably above the national median of $74,332. The local salary range spans from $60,370 at the 10th percentile to $102,485 at the 90th percentile, indicating a healthy job market for this profession. These estimates derive from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional economic factors. As professionals seek to advance their careers, many may consider pursuing a Master's in Occupational Therapy (MOT), which can significantly enhance lifetime earning potential. The growth rate of 2.81% in this field suggests steady demand, reflecting the ongoing need for occupational therapy services in various settings throughout the Davis area.
About the Davis Market
Salary estimated from California average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,370 | $29.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71,535 | $34.39 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $83,976 | $40.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $93,270 | $44.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102,485 | $49.28 |
Median Salary Position
12.97% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Davis
In Davis, CA, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,115 (2026 est.). At $83,976, the local median is 12.97% above the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Davis: You'd be above the median
How Davis Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Davis median: $83,976/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Davis Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $86,752 | -3.20% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | +12.97% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Davis, CA earn a median of $83,976 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.97% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 3.20% below the California state average of $86,752.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Davis has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Davis, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $83,976 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $74,249 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$69,491
2025 BLS Actual
$81,681
2026 Current Est.
$83,976
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
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 | $69,491 | Actual |
| 2020 | $71,107 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,740 | Actual |
| 2022 | $72,587 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,705 | Actual |
| 2024 | $87,565 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,681 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,976 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86,336 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Davis metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $69,491 (2019) to $81,681 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $86,336 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,845 (24.24%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $60,370 – $71,535 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $71,535 – $83,976 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $83,976 – $93,270 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $93,270 – $102,485 |
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 Davis
In a localized context, the job market for occupational therapy assistants in Davis includes about 14 individuals currently employed, which suggests a niche yet vital workforce. The cost-of-living index in this area stands at 113.1, meaning that while salaries are relatively high, the expenses in Davis are also elevated, impacting real take-home pay. Various employers play a role in salary variations; while outpatient clinics and home health agencies are often competitive, skilled nursing facilities may offer lower pay due to recent Medicare cuts affecting reimbursement rates. The disparity in earnings often reflects differences in productivity expectations and contract terms, such as year-round commitments versus school-year contracts for district positions. For those in the field looking to maximize their earnings, targeting specialized rehabilitation centers or seeking positions that offer weekend or PRN shifts can prove beneficial in optimizing pay and gaining substantial work experience.
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
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 $81,681 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Davis 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 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