Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Rialto, CA: $88,372 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Rialto, CA earns a median $88,372/year (≈ $42.49/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Rialto's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $78,136 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.8% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Rialto, CA can expect a competitive salary in 2026, with a median annual income of $88,372. The salary range for this profession varies significantly, from $59,712 for the lowest 10% to as much as $110,123 for those in the top 10%. These figures are adjusted based on local cost of living indices and derived from 2025 BLS data, showcasing Rialto’s stronger market position compared to the national median of $74,332. The dynamics of where occupational therapy assistants work—whether in skilled nursing facilities, schools, or hospitals—greatly influence pay rates, especially against the backdrop of adjustments post-Medicare cuts affecting reimbursement levels.
About the Rialto Market
Salary estimated from California average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,712 | $28.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $72,522 | $34.86 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $88,372 | $42.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $97,039 | $46.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $110,123 | $52.95 |
Median Salary Position
18.89% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rialto
In Rialto, CA, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,411 (2026 est.). At $88,372, the local median is 18.89% above the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Rialto: You'd be above the median
How Rialto Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Rialto median: $88,372/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rialto Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $86,810 | +1.80% more |
| National Average | $74,332 | +18.89% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Rialto, CA earn a median of $88,372 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.89% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 1.80% above the California state average of $86,810.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rialto has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Rialto, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $88,372 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $78,136 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$73,129
2025 BLS Actual
$85,957
2026 Current Est.
$88,372
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Rialto (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $73,129 | Actual |
| 2020 | $74,829 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,390 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,386 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,668 | Actual |
| 2024 | $92,149 | Actual |
| 2025 | $85,957 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $88,372 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90,856 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rialto metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $73,129 (2019) to $85,957 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $90,856 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,727 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rialto 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) | $59,712 – $72,522 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $72,522 – $88,372 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $88,372 – $97,039 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $97,039 – $110,123 |
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 Rialto
The local job market in Rialto employs approximately 17 occupational therapy assistants, highlighting a relatively small but specialized workforce. Given that the cost of living index stands at 113.1, which is above the national average, there are important implications for purchasing power among OT assistants. Employers in skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation generally offer the highest salaries, reflecting higher productivity expectations and funding pathways. However, many also grapple with the repercussions of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut applied to OTA services, squeezing margins and limiting what employers can offer. To maximize earning potential, COTAs might consider seeking positions in high-paying settings or pursuing additional certifications to enhance their qualifications. Understanding the market trends and strategic positioning can significantly affect how much occupational therapy assistants make in Rialto, pushing them toward more lucrative opportunities.
More salary data for Rialto, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Rialto?
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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 $85,957 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Rialto 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 Rialto 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