Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Pomona, CA: $89,698 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Pomona, CA earns a median $89,698/year (≈ $43.13/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Pomona's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $79,309 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Pomona, California, can expect a median annual salary of $89,698 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national median of $74,332. The local salary range for this role spans from $62,374 at the 10th percentile to $111,203 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a vibrant job market shaped by diverse employment settings. Such figures stem from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost dynamics. The post-Medicare cut environment has created distinct salary structures, with shifts in demand across skilled nursing facilities, schools, and hospitals affecting pay scales in Pomona's occupational therapy sector.
About the Pomona Market
Salary estimated from California average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,374 | $29.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $75,221 | $36.17 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $89,698 | $43.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $98,155 | $47.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $111,203 | $53.46 |
Median Salary Position
20.67% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pomona
In Pomona, CA, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,829 (2026 est.). At $89,698, the local median is 20.67% above the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Pomona: You'd be above the median
How Pomona Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Pomona median: $89,698/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pomona Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $86,748 | +3.40% more |
| National Average | $74,332 | +20.67% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Pomona, CA earn a median of $89,698 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.67% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 3.40% above the California state average of $86,748.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pomona has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pomona, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $89,698 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $79,309 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$74,225
2025 BLS Actual
$87,246
2026 Current Est.
$89,698
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Pomona (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $74,225 | Actual |
| 2020 | $75,951 | Actual |
| 2021 | $74,491 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,532 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,862 | Actual |
| 2024 | $93,531 | Actual |
| 2025 | $87,246 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $89,698 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,218 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pomona metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $74,225 (2019) to $87,246 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $92,218 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,993 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pomona 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) | $62,374 – $75,221 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $75,221 – $89,698 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $89,698 – $98,155 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $98,155 – $111,203 |
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 Pomona
Within this locality, 36 occupational therapy assistants are currently employed, revealing a compact yet potentially growing workforce. The cost of living index in Pomona stands at 113.1, indicating that residents experience higher living costs compared to the national average. This reality can influence take-home pay and purchasing power significantly. Among potential employers, outpatient clinics and hospital inpatient rehabilitation facilities tend to offer the most competitive compensation packages, while schools generally provide more stable, predictable pay. Factors such as job setting, productivity expectations, and the lingering effects of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut further drive disparities in salaries. For those pursuing the upper end of the pay scale, seeking roles in hospitals or specialized clinics, especially in environments with a high demand for therapy services, can yield better financial outcomes. Additionally, considering year-round contracts or weekend shifts could enhance earnings in this competitive market.
More salary data for Pomona, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Pomona, CA in 2026?
Is Pomona, CA a good place to work as a occupational therapy assistant?
Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Pomona?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapy assistant salary in Pomona?
How much does a occupational therapy assistant make per hour in Pomona?
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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 $87,246 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Pomona 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 Pomona 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