Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Torrance, CA: $88,260 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Torrance, CA earns a median $88,260/year (≈ $42.43/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Torrance's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $78,037 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Torrance, California, the projected median annual salary for occupational therapy assistants in 2026 is $88,260, notably higher than the national median of $74,332. This figure reflects a competitive local market where salaries range significantly from $59,104 at the 10th percentile to $115,471 at the 90th percentile. These estimates derive from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional price differences, revealing the financial realities faced by COTAs in a city that balances various employment settings such as skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and schools. The job landscape in Torrance continues to evolve, particularly in light of recent Medicare reimbursement cuts that have affected compensation structures across different healthcare facilities.
About the Torrance Market
Salary estimated from California average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,104 | $28.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $72,296 | $34.76 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $88,260 | $42.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $100,176 | $48.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $115,471 | $55.52 |
Median Salary Position
18.74% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Torrance
In Torrance, CA, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $56,367 (2026 est.). At $88,260, the local median is 18.74% above the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Torrance: You'd be above the median
How Torrance Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Torrance median: $88,260/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Torrance Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $86,785 | +1.70% more |
| National Average | $74,332 | +18.74% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Torrance, CA earn a median of $88,260 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.74% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 1.70% above the California state average of $86,785.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Torrance has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Torrance, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $88,260 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $78,037 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$73,036
2025 BLS Actual
$85,848
2026 Current Est.
$88,260
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Torrance (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $73,036 | Actual |
| 2020 | $74,734 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,297 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,290 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,567 | Actual |
| 2024 | $92,032 | Actual |
| 2025 | $85,848 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $88,260 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90,740 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Torrance metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $73,036 (2019) to $85,848 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $90,740 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,704 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Torrance 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) | $59,104 – $72,296 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $72,296 – $88,260 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $88,260 – $100,176 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $100,176 – $115,471 |
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 Torrance
The occupational therapy assistant job market in Torrance shows strength, with 26 professionals currently employed in the area. Given the cost-of-living index of 113.1, which is above the national average, take-home pay becomes an important consideration for financial stability. Typically, the highest-paying employers include inpatient rehabilitation hospitals and outpatient clinics, where productivity expectations may justify higher salaries. The disparity from the low end of the pay scale often links back to the operational impacts of the 15% Medicare cut, with outpatient and skilled nursing facilities particularly feeling the squeeze. To enhance earning potential, COTAs in Torrance can pursue engagements in hospital settings, seek weekend or PRN shifts, or focus on contracts aligned with year-round school programs. Understanding these dynamics is key for professionals contemplating their career paths in Torrance, CA.
More salary data for Torrance, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Torrance?
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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 $85,848 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Torrance 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 Torrance 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