Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Westminster, CA: $87,708 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Westminster, CA earns a median $87,708/year (≈ $42.16/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Westminster's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $77,549 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for occupational therapy assistants in Westminster, California, is set at $87,708, which is significantly higher than the national median of $74,332. The salary range for this role locally varies from $61,863 at the 10th percentile to $109,369 at the 90th percentile. These figures are estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost of living, and reflect a market where skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), schools, and hospitals employ COTAs in various capacities. With the ongoing impact of recent Medicare cuts, particularly a 15% reduction affecting services provided by occupational therapy assistants, the dynamics of pay structures in Westminster are shifting. The stability of job opportunities is crucial for professionals navigating these changes, especially in a region where these assistant roles can fluctuate based on institutional settings.
About the Westminster Market
Salary estimated from California average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,863 | $29.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $74,023 | $35.59 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $87,708 | $42.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $96,691 | $46.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $109,369 | $52.58 |
Median Salary Position
17.99% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Westminster
In Westminster, CA, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,506 (2026 est.). At $87,708, the local median is 17.99% above the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Westminster: You'd be above the median
How Westminster Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Westminster median: $87,708/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Westminster Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $86,754 | +1.10% more |
| National Average | $74,332 | +17.99% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Westminster, CA earn a median of $87,708 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.99% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 1.10% above the California state average of $86,754.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Westminster has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Westminster, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $87,708 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $77,549 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$72,579
2025 BLS Actual
$85,311
2026 Current Est.
$87,708
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Westminster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $72,579 | Actual |
| 2020 | $74,267 | Actual |
| 2021 | $72,839 | Actual |
| 2022 | $75,812 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,069 | Actual |
| 2024 | $91,456 | Actual |
| 2025 | $85,311 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $87,708 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90,173 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Westminster metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $72,579 (2019) to $85,311 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $90,173 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,594 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Westminster 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) | $61,863 – $74,023 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $74,023 – $87,708 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $87,708 – $96,691 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $96,691 – $109,369 |
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 Westminster
The job market for occupational therapy assistants in Westminster currently employs 21 professionals, indicative of a stable yet competitive local environment. With a cost-of-living index of 113.1, it is essential for COTAs to consider how effectively their earnings translate into purchasing power. Among local employers, hospitals tend to offer the highest pay for COTAs compared to outpatient clinics, early intervention programs, and school districts. Notably, compensation is shaped by factors such as shift differentials for weekend work, varying contract lengths during the school year, and productivity expectations. To maximize earning potential in Westminster, occupational therapy assistants may look to seek employment in settings that offer supplemental pay for PRN roles or focus on year-round contracts that can buffer against lower wages typically seen in SNFs due to the influence of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut.
More salary data for Westminster, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Westminster, CA in 2026?
Is Westminster, CA a good place to work as a occupational therapy assistant?
Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Westminster?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapy assistant salary in Westminster?
How much does a occupational therapy assistant make per hour in Westminster?
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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 $85,311 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Westminster 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 Westminster 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