Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Fresno, CA: $78,166 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Fresno, CA earns a median $78,166/year (≈ $37.58/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Fresno's price level (2% above national, BEA RPP 102.2), that paycheck buys what $76,515 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 9.9% below the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source
Fresno, California, offers a competitive occupational therapy assistant salary that reflects the nuances of local healthcare settings. At an estimated median annual salary of $78,166, the market position is notably stronger than the national figure of $74,332, showcasing a 5.16% advantage for professionals in this city. The salary range varies significantly, spanning from $65,891 at the lower end to $103,581 at the upper echelon. Based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, these figures illuminate the structural differences among employers: skilled nursing facilities often pay less compared to hospitals or schools, especially in light of the persistent impacts from the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut. Given the concentration of occupational therapy assistants in Fresno, understanding how to navigate these dynamics is crucial for potential and current professionals.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,891 | $31.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $74,496 | $35.82 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $78,166 | $37.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84,829 | $40.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $103,581 | $49.80 |
Median Salary Position
5.16% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fresno
In Fresno, CA, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,690 (2026 est.). At $78,166, the local median is 5.16% above the national median of $74,332.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fresno: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fresno Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Fresno median: $78,166/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fresno Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $86,755 | -9.90% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | +5.16% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Fresno, CA earn a median of $78,166 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.16% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 9.90% below the California state average of $86,755.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fresno has a cost of living 2.16% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fresno, CA has a cost-of-living index of 102.158 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $78,166 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $76,515 — a 2.11% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$67,930
2025 BLS Actual
$76,030
2026 Current Est.
$78,166
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Fresno (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,930 | Actual |
| 2020 | $68,500 | Actual |
| 2021 | $72,220 | Actual |
| 2022 | $73,390 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,160 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,340 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,030 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,166 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,363 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fresno metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 11.9% from $67,930 (2019) to $76,030 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $80,363 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,433 (18.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fresno 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) | $65,891 – $74,496 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $74,496 – $78,166 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $78,166 – $84,829 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $84,829 – $103,581 |
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 Fresno
In the local job market, approximately 90 occupational therapy assistants are employed, which suggests a stable demand for services despite the cost of living index in Fresno being slightly above the national average at 102.158. This index impacts take-home pay and purchasing power, making it essential for COTAs to seek employment in high-paying settings such as hospital inpatient rehab or outpatient clinics rather than solely relying on skilled nursing facilities. The pay disparity is driven by various factors, including productivity expectations and differences in contracts based on the time commitment required. For those seeking to optimize their earnings, pursuing positions with hospital systems often yields better financial outcomes. Additionally, considering weekend or PRN shifts, as well as exploring COTA-to-MOT bridge pathways for advanced training, can further enhance earnings potential in Fresno, CA.
More salary data for Fresno, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Fresno, CA in 2026?
Is Fresno, CA a good place to work as a occupational therapy assistant?
Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Fresno?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapy assistant salary in Fresno?
How much does a occupational therapy assistant make per hour in Fresno?
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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 $76,030 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Fresno 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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