Healthcare San Francisco, CA Pop. 873,965

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in San Francisco, California

The median occupational therapy assistant salary in San Francisco, CA is $124,298 per year, which is 90.0% above the national median and 30.1% above the California state average.

City Median
$124,298
vs State Avg
+$28,785
vs National
+$58,878
Cost of Living
182%

Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay in San Francisco: What to Expect (2026)

San Francisco offers a median occupational therapy assistant salary of $124,298, which is $28,785 above the California state average of $95,513. Compared to the national median of $65,420, San Francisco pays above average for this role.

However, San Francisco's cost of living index is 182%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $124,298 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $68,296. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Francisco should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for occupational therapy assistants in San Francisco spans from $79,800 at the 10th percentile to $174,800 at the 90th percentile — a $95,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $83,600, while senior occupational therapy assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $167,200. As a major metro area with a population of 873,965, San Francisco typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in San Francisco by Experience

In San Francisco, an entry-level occupational therapy assistant earns around $83,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $167,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$83,600
+$39,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$125,400
+$59,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$167,200
+$79,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Francisco, CA

Percentile San Francisco
10th Percentile $79,800
25th Percentile $98,800
Median (50th) $124,298
75th Percentile $152,000
90th Percentile $174,800

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Other California Cities

How to Become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in San Francisco

Education

Most occupational therapy assistant positions require a associate's degree. San Francisco 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 San Francisco may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in San Francisco

Browse open occupational therapy assistant positions in San Francisco, CA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in San Francisco

How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make in San Francisco, CA? ▼
The median occupational therapy assistant salary in San Francisco, California is $124,298 per year, which is 90.0% above the national median of $65,420. Salaries range from $79,800 (10th percentile) to $174,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make per hour in San Francisco? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $124,298, a occupational therapy assistant in San Francisco earns approximately $60 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Francisco compare to the California state average for occupational therapy assistant pay? ▼
San Francisco's median occupational therapy assistant salary of $124,298 is 30.1% above the California state average of $95,513. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Francisco, CA? ▼
San Francisco has a cost of living index of 182% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapy assistant salary of $124,298 in San Francisco 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 San Francisco? ▼
Most occupational therapy assistant positions in San Francisco 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.