Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in San Buenaventura, CA: $87,636 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in San Buenaventura, CA earns a median $87,636/year (≈ $42.13/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in San Buenaventura's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $77,485 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected occupational therapy assistant salary in San Buenaventura is $87,636 per year, outpacing the national median of $74,332 by approximately 18%. This local salary range illustrates a broad spectrum, with entry-level positions starting at $64,581 and experienced professionals earning up to $113,382. These figures, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, provide significant insight into the local job market, where the growing demand for occupational therapy assistants is evident. Not only does a COTA position offer competitive pay, but pursuing the COTA-to-MOT pathway can further enhance lifetime earning potential significantly, potentially yielding higher salaries for those who advance their education and credentials.
About the San Buenaventura Market
Salary estimated from California average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,581 | $31.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $76,250 | $36.66 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $87,636 | $42.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $98,712 | $47.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $113,382 | $54.51 |
Median Salary Position
17.90% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in San Buenaventura
In San Buenaventura, CA, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,801 (2026 est.). At $87,636, the local median is 17.9% above the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in San Buenaventura: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How San Buenaventura Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
San Buenaventura median: $87,636/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | San Buenaventura Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $86,769 | +1.00% more |
| National Average | $74,332 | +17.90% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in San Buenaventura, CA earn a median of $87,636 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.90% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 1.00% above the California state average of $86,769.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
San Buenaventura has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
San Buenaventura, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $87,636 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $77,485 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$72,520
2025 BLS Actual
$85,241
2026 Current Est.
$87,636
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in San Buenaventura (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $72,520 | Actual |
| 2020 | $74,206 | Actual |
| 2021 | $72,779 | Actual |
| 2022 | $75,750 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,004 | Actual |
| 2024 | $91,381 | Actual |
| 2025 | $85,241 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $87,636 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90,099 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the San Buenaventura metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $72,520 (2019) to $85,241 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $90,099 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,579 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the San Buenaventura 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) | $64,581 – $76,250 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $76,250 – $87,636 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $87,636 – $98,712 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $98,712 – $113,382 |
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 San Buenaventura
San Buenaventura's job market comprises 19 employed occupational therapy assistants, indicating a modest yet stable local professional community. With a cost-of-living index of 113.1, salaries must align with the higher costs associated with living in this area. Employers in skilled nursing facilities pay towards the higher end of the salary spectrum, particularly in settings that prioritize rehabilitation services compared to school districts and home health agencies. Various factors contribute to the difference in pay, including the setting type, weekend work premiums, and contractual differences for school-year versus year-round positions. Additionally, the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut has added pressure on salary structures, primarily affecting SNF and outpatient clinics. To maximize pay, new COTAs in San Buenaventura should consider gaining experience in higher-paying settings and expanding their credentials to capitalize on the growing need for specialized services in occupational therapy.
More salary data for San Buenaventura, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in San Buenaventura, CA in 2026?
Is San Buenaventura, CA a good place to work as a occupational therapy assistant?
Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in San Buenaventura?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapy assistant salary in San Buenaventura?
How much does a occupational therapy assistant make per hour in San Buenaventura?
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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 $85,241 for occupational therapy assistantsin the San Buenaventura 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 San Buenaventura 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