Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in La Habra, CA: $83,791 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in La Habra, CA earns a median $83,791/year (≈ $40.28/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in La Habra's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $74,086 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in La Habra, California, can expect a median annual salary of $83,791 in 2026, which positions them well above the national average of $74,332. The local compensation ranges from $59,947 for those at the lower end of the spectrum to as high as $104,955 for well-experienced practitioners, reflecting the diverse opportunities available. These figures are estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for the regional cost of living. As a city that offers pathways for occupational therapy in various settings, including schools and healthcare facilities, La Habra reflects a strong job market for this profession, making it an attractive choice for both existing and aspiring occupational therapy assistants.
About the La Habra Market
Salary estimated from California average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,947 | $28.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71,160 | $34.22 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $83,791 | $40.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $92,848 | $44.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $104,955 | $50.46 |
Median Salary Position
12.73% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in La Habra
In La Habra, CA, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,008 (2026 est.). At $83,791, the local median is 12.73% above the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in La Habra: You'd be above the median
How La Habra Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
La Habra median: $83,791/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | La Habra Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $86,740 | -3.40% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | +12.73% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in La Habra, CA earn a median of $83,791 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.73% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 3.40% below the California state average of $86,740.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
La Habra has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
La Habra, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $83,791 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $74,086 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$69,338
2025 BLS Actual
$81,501
2026 Current Est.
$83,791
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in La Habra (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,338 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,950 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,586 | Actual |
| 2022 | $72,427 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,538 | Actual |
| 2024 | $87,372 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,501 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,791 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86,146 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the La Habra metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $69,338 (2019) to $81,501 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $86,146 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,808 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the La Habra 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) | $59,947 – $71,160 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $71,160 – $83,791 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $83,791 – $92,848 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $92,848 – $104,955 |
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 La Habra
The local job market for occupational therapy assistants is relatively robust, with 16 professionals currently practicing in La Habra. However, a cost-of-living index of 113.1 indicates that expenses are slightly above the national average, impacting take-home pay. Those employed in skilled nursing facilities and hospital rehabilitation programs typically command higher wages compared to those working in schools or outpatient clinics, driven by productivity expectations and the varying nature of contracts. The spread between lower and higher pay stems from several factors, including the 15% cut in Medicare reimbursements, which has affected compensation across various settings. To maximize earnings in La Habra, occupational therapy assistants should consider diversifying their skills, pursuing specialized certifications, and exploring opportunities in high-paying sectors while maintaining flexibility in their work schedules.
More salary data for La Habra, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in La Habra, CA in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in La Habra?
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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 $81,501 for occupational therapy assistantsin the La Habra 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 La Habra 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