Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Santa Rosa, CA: $85,595 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Santa Rosa, CA earns a median $85,595/year (≈ $41.15/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Santa Rosa's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $75,681 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, occupational therapy assistants in Santa Rosa, California, can expect a median annual salary of $85,595, which reflects a notable increase over national figures—about 15.15% higher than the national median of $74,332. The salary range in this region spans from $60,295 at the 10th percentile to $109,862 at the 90th percentile, illustrating the substantial income variability within the field. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local economic conditions, indicate a robust job market in Santa Rosa. As more occupational therapy assistants consider advancing from a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT), the potential lifetime earnings benefit from such pathways makes this field an attractive option for aspiring healthcare professionals in the area.
About the Santa Rosa Market
Salary estimated from California average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,295 | $28.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $72,107 | $34.67 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $85,595 | $41.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $95,890 | $46.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $109,862 | $52.81 |
Median Salary Position
15.15% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Santa Rosa
In Santa Rosa, CA, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,567 (2026 est.). At $85,595, the local median is 15.15% above the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Santa Rosa: You'd be above the median
How Santa Rosa Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Santa Rosa median: $85,595/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Santa Rosa Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $86,811 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | +15.15% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Santa Rosa, CA earn a median of $85,595 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.15% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 1.40% below the California state average of $86,811.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Santa Rosa has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Santa Rosa, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $85,595 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $75,681 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$70,831
2025 BLS Actual
$83,256
2026 Current Est.
$85,595
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Santa Rosa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70,831 | Actual |
| 2020 | $85,940 | Actual |
| 2021 | $71,084 | Actual |
| 2022 | $73,986 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,164 | Actual |
| 2024 | $89,254 | Actual |
| 2025 | $83,256 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,595 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,001 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Santa Rosa metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $70,831 (2019) to $83,256 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $88,001 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,170 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Santa Rosa 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) | $60,295 – $72,107 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $72,107 – $85,595 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $85,595 – $95,890 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $95,890 – $109,862 |
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 Santa Rosa
Despite the relatively high salaries for occupational therapy assistants in Santa Rosa, professionals must navigate a cost-of-living index of 113.1, which signifies that living expenses are higher than the national average. This economic reality can impact overall take-home pay, as the increased expenses necessitate careful financial planning. Currently, there are 44 occupational therapy assistants employed in the area, primarily working for skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and hospital inpatient rehab programs. Salaries within these employers can vary widely, influenced by factors such as setting type, staffing needs, and productivity expectations. For those looking to maximize their earnings, targeting opportunities in hospital settings or negotiating pay for weekend shifts can be beneficial. Taking into account the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut affecting OTA-provided services adds additional complexity to pay structures, making proactive career strategies essential for success in the Santa Rosa market.
More salary data for Santa Rosa, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $83,256 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Santa Rosa 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 Santa Rosa 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