Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Fremont, CA: $100,630 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Fremont, CA earns a median $100,630/year (≈ $48.38/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Fremont's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $88,974 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 16.0% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, occupational therapy assistants in Fremont, California, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $100,630, significantly higher than the national median of $74,332, reflecting a 35.38% increase. Salary figures span a range from $64,800 at the 10th percentile to $134,073 at the 90th percentile, indicating diverse pay grades within the local market. These projections are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost factors. The strength of Fremont's job market in the healthcare sector can be largely attributed to its growing population and demand for services, making it a competitive environment for occupational therapy assistants aiming to bridge from an associate degree (COTA) to a master's degree (MOT).
About the Fremont Market
Salary estimated from California average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,800 | $31.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $86,323 | $41.50 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $100,630 | $48.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $111,103 | $53.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $134,073 | $64.46 |
Median Salary Position
35.38% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fremont
In Fremont, CA, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $69,273 (2026 est.). At $100,630, the local median is 35.38% above the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Fremont: You'd be above the median
How Fremont Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Fremont median: $100,630/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fremont Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $86,750 | +16.00% more |
| National Average | $74,332 | +35.38% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Fremont, CA earn a median of $100,630 per year (2026 est.), which is 35.38% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 16.00% above the California state average of $86,750.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fremont has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fremont, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $100,630 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $88,974 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$83,272
2025 BLS Actual
$97,880
2026 Current Est.
$100,630
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Fremont (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $83,272 | Actual |
| 2020 | $85,208 | Actual |
| 2021 | $83,570 | Actual |
| 2022 | $86,982 | Actual |
| 2023 | $90,718 | Actual |
| 2024 | $93,213 | Actual |
| 2025 | $97,880 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $100,630 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $103,458 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fremont metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $83,272 (2019) to $97,880 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $103,458 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,186 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fremont 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) | $64,800 – $86,323 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $86,323 – $100,630 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $100,630 – $111,103 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $111,103 – $134,073 |
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 Fremont
Job opportunities for occupational therapy assistants in Fremont remain robust, with approximately 43 professionals currently employed in this field. However, the area's cost of living, indexed at 113.1, presents a challenge for take-home purchasing power, making it essential for COTAs to explore different employment settings for optimal compensation. Skilled nursing facilities typically offer higher pay compared to schools and outpatient clinics. Factors influencing wage disparities include setting, productivity expectations, and the ongoing impacts of Medicare reimbursement adjustments, such as the recent 15% cut affecting OTA services. To maximize earnings locally, COTAs should consider roles that offer PRN weekend work or explore year-round contracts instead of school-year positions. Engaging with AOTA resources for career advancement can also provide valuable insight into navigating this dynamic job market.
More salary data for Fremont, 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 $97,880 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Fremont 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 Fremont 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