Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
Occupational Therapy Assistants in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA make a median of $80,720 a year, or about $38.81 an hour. The range runs from $72K at the entry level to $97K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 111.89), so that salary is closer to $72,142 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $3,001/month — about 59.2% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $81K get you in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad?
About occupational therapy assistants
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants (10th percentile) start around $72K. Mid-career wages sit at $81K.Top earners bring in $97K or more - a $24K spread from bottom to top.
Occupational Therapy Assistants pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $79K | +16% | 3,290 |
| Texas | $78K | +14% | 5,660 |
| Arkansas | $77K | +13% | 620 |
| Maryland | $77K | +13% | 640 |
| Nevada | $76K | +12% | 190 |
| Washington | $76K | +11% | 660 |
| Arizona | $75K | +10% | 930 |
| Virginia | $74K | +8% | 1,260 |
| Oregon | $74K | +8% | 250 |
| South Carolina | $73K | +7% | 780 |
| New Jersey | $73K | +7% | 740 |
| Massachusetts | $73K | +6% | 1,540 |
| Delaware | $73K | +6% | 140 |
| Florida | $72K | +5% | 3,580 |
| Connecticut | $71K | +4% | 860 |
Track occupational therapy assistants salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA?
The median is $80,720 a year - that works out to about $38.81 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $72,110, and experienced occupational therapy assistants can clear $96,580. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $81K enough to live in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $5,127/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $3,001/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 58.5% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a occupational therapy assistants salary go in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad?
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad has a Regional Price Parity of 111.89 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median occupational therapy assistants salary is worth about $72,142 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do occupational therapy assistants get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.