Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Dublin, CA: $87,811 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Dublin, CA earns a median $87,811/year (≈ $42.21/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Dublin's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $77,640 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the compensation for occupational therapy assistants in Dublin, California, is projected to be robust, with a median annual salary of $87,811. This figure marks a notable 18.13% increase compared to the national median of $74,332. The projected salary range spans from $62,463 at the 10th percentile to $106,505 at the 90th percentile, illustrating a diverse spectrum of opportunities within the field. These estimates are drawn from BLS state-level data and reflect regional cost adjustments, emphasizing the competitive pay that local occupational therapy assistants can expect. For professionals considering the COTA-to-MOT bridge pathway, beginning a career as an occupational therapy assistant in Dublin can lead to enhanced earning potential over one's lifetime, making this area an attractive option for aspiring practitioners.
About the Dublin Market
Salary estimated from California average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,463 | $30.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $72,314 | $34.77 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $87,811 | $42.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $95,009 | $45.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106,505 | $51.20 |
Median Salary Position
18.13% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dublin
In Dublin, CA, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,042 (2026 est.). At $87,811, the local median is 18.13% above the national median of $74,332.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Dublin: You'd be above the median
How Dublin Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Dublin median: $87,811/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Dublin Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $86,770 | +1.20% more |
| National Average | $74,332 | +18.13% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Dublin, CA earn a median of $87,811 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.13% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 1.20% above the California state average of $86,770.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Dublin has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Dublin, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $87,811 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $77,640 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$72,664
2025 BLS Actual
$85,411
2026 Current Est.
$87,811
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Dublin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $72,664 | Actual |
| 2020 | $74,354 | Actual |
| 2021 | $72,924 | Actual |
| 2022 | $75,901 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,162 | Actual |
| 2024 | $91,564 | Actual |
| 2025 | $85,411 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $87,811 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90,279 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Dublin metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $72,664 (2019) to $85,411 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $90,279 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,615 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dublin 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) | $62,463 – $72,314 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $72,314 – $87,811 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $87,811 – $95,009 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $95,009 – $106,505 |
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 Dublin
Dublin's occupational therapy assistant job market remains stable, with approximately 14 professionals currently working in this field. However, the cost of living in the area, reflected by a cost-of-living index of 113.1, indicates that take-home pay may stretch less than it would in lower-cost regions. Within Dublin, skilled nursing facilities generally offer the highest compensation, followed closely by hospital inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient clinics, while school district positions tend to offer lower pay due to budget constraints. Factors contributing to the variance in salaries include settings of employment, productivity expectations, and the impact of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut, which has affected rates for OTA-provided services since its implementation in 2022. To maximize earning potential in Dublin, occupational therapy assistants should consider seeking roles in high-demand settings, pursuing ongoing education to obtain supervisory qualifications, and negotiating contracts that align with their experience and certification levels.
More salary data for Dublin, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Dublin, CA in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Dublin?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapy assistant salary in Dublin?
How much does a occupational therapy assistant make per hour in Dublin?
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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 $85,411 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Dublin 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 Dublin 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