Healthcare Los Angeles, CA Pop. 3,898,747

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Los Angeles, California

The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Los Angeles, CA is $100,747 per year, which is 54.0% above the national median and 5.5% above the California state average.

City Median
$100,747
vs State Avg
+$5,234
vs National
+$35,327
Cost of Living
146%

Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay in Los Angeles: What to Expect (2026)

Los Angeles offers a median occupational therapy assistant salary of $100,747, which is $5,234 above the California state average of $95,513. Compared to the national median of $65,420, Los Angeles pays above average for this role.

However, Los Angeles's cost of living index is 146%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $100,747 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $69,005. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Los Angeles should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for occupational therapy assistants in Los Angeles spans from $64,680 at the 10th percentile to $141,680 at the 90th percentile — a $77,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $67,760, while senior occupational therapy assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $135,520. As a major metro area with a population of 3,898,747, Los Angeles typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Los Angeles by Experience

In Los Angeles, an entry-level occupational therapy assistant earns around $67,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $135,520 per year. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$67,760
+$23,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$101,640
+$35,640 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$135,520
+$47,520 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Los Angeles, CA

Percentile Los Angeles
10th Percentile $64,680
25th Percentile $80,080
Median (50th) $100,747
75th Percentile $123,200
90th Percentile $141,680

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Other California Cities

How to Become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in Los Angeles

Education

Most occupational therapy assistant positions require a associate's degree. Los Angeles and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Therapeutic ExercisesPatient CareDocumentationCommunicationAdaptabilityCompassion

Job Outlook

Nationally, occupational therapy assistant employment is projected to grow 25% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Los Angeles may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in Los Angeles

Browse open occupational therapy assistant positions in Los Angeles, CA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Los Angeles

How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Los Angeles, California is $100,747 per year, which is 54.0% above the national median of $65,420. Salaries range from $64,680 (10th percentile) to $141,680 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make per hour in Los Angeles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $100,747, a occupational therapy assistant in Los Angeles earns approximately $48 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Los Angeles compare to the California state average for occupational therapy assistant pay? ▼
Los Angeles's median occupational therapy assistant salary of $100,747 is 5.5% above the California state average of $95,513. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 146% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapy assistant salary of $100,747 in Los Angeles has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapy assistant in Los Angeles? ▼
Most occupational therapy assistant positions in Los Angeles require a associate's degree. Key skills include Therapeutic Exercises, Patient Care, Documentation, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 25% nationally over the next decade.