Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in San Diego, CA

Updated on May 09, 2025
Position
City
Salary

How much does a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant make in San Diego, CA?

The average salary for a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant is $81,980 per year in San Diego, CA.

A Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) in San Diego, CA, earns a competitive salary. On average, COTAs in this area make around $81,980 per year. This salary can vary based on experience, education, and the specific employer. The range of salaries can be quite broad, from about $60,000 to over $100,000 annually.

Factors that can influence a COTA's salary include the type of facility they work in, such as hospitals, schools, or private practices. Higher salaries often come with more responsibilities and opportunities for advancement. The demand for occupational therapy services in San Diego is steady, contributing to the attractive salary range for COTAs in the area.

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in San Diego, CA

What are the highest paying cities for a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant near San Diego, CA?

Ramona, CA, stands out as the top city for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants near San Diego, CA, offering an average salary of $85,650. Chula Vista, CA, follows closely with an average salary of $83,914. These cities provide excellent opportunities for those seeking higher compensation in this field. Job seekers can find competitive salaries and a strong demand for occupational therapy assistants in these areas. Exploring job openings in Ramona and Chula Vista can lead to rewarding career prospects with attractive pay packages.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs near San Diego, CA, highlighting Ramona, CA with the highest at $85,650 and Poway, CA with the lowest at $73,039.
  1. Ramona, CA
    Average Salary: $85,650
    Ramona offers a serene environment for occupational therapy assistants. They work in various settings, including hospitals and rehabilitation centers. Notable employers include Sharp HealthCare and Palomar Health.
    Find Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in Ramona, CA


  2. Chula Vista, CA
    Average Salary: $83,914
    In Chula Vista, occupational therapy assistants find opportunities in both private practices and large healthcare facilities. Companies like Kaiser Permanente and Sharp HealthCare provide excellent career growth.
    Find Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in Chula Vista, CA


  3. Spring Valley, CA
    Average Salary: $79,711
    Spring Valley is a growing community where occupational therapy assistants can make a significant impact. They work in schools, clinics, and hospitals. Local employers include Sharp Mary Birch Hospital and Grossmont Hospital.
    Find Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in Spring Valley, CA


  4. La Jolla, CA
    Average Salary: $78,800
    La Jolla provides a vibrant setting for occupational therapy assistants. They work in both urban and coastal areas. Prominent employers include UC San Diego Health and Scripps Health.
    Find Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in La Jolla, CA


  5. La Mesa, CA
    Average Salary: $78,627
    La Mesa offers diverse opportunities for occupational therapy assistants. They work in rehabilitation centers and schools. Key employers include Sharp Grossmont Hospital and Kaiser Permanente.
    Find Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in La Mesa, CA


  6. El Cajon, CA
    Average Salary: $78,495
    El Cajon is a bustling city with many opportunities for occupational therapy assistants. They work in hospitals and outpatient clinics. Notable employers include Sharp Healthcare and Grossmont Hospital.
    Find Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in El Cajon, CA


  7. Del Mar, CA
    Average Salary: $75,455
    Del Mar provides a peaceful environment for occupational therapy assistants. They work in both private practices and community health centers. Employers include Scripps Health and Sharp HealthCare.
    Find Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in Del Mar, CA


  8. Lakeside, CA
    Average Salary: $74,000
    Lakeside offers a mix of urban and suburban settings for occupational therapy assistants. They work in rehabilitation centers and schools. Key employers include Sharp Grossmont Hospital and Kaiser Permanente.
    Find Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in Lakeside, CA


  9. National City, CA
    Average Salary: $73,872
    National City provides diverse opportunities for occupational therapy assistants. They work in hospitals and outpatient clinics. Notable employers include Kaiser Permanente and Sharp HealthCare.
    Find Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in National City, CA


  10. Poway, CA
    Average Salary: $73,039
    Poway offers a family-friendly environment for occupational therapy assistants. They work in schools and rehabilitation centers. Key employers include Sharp Grossmont Hospital and Kaiser Permanente.
    Find Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in Poway, CA

What are the best paying companies for a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant in San Diego, CA?

Job seekers looking for top-paying Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant positions in San Diego, CA, should consider Absolute Home Health and Hospice, Inc., which offers an annual salary of $88,587. The Stepping Stones Group follows closely with an annual salary of $86,667. Arroyo Vista Nursing Center provides a competitive salary of $78,375 per year. These companies offer attractive compensation packages for those in the field.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in San Diego, CA, highlighting Absolute Home Health and Hospice, Inc. with the highest at $88,587 and Family Health Centers of San Diego.
  1. Absolute Home Health and Hospice, Inc.
    Average Salary: $88,587
    Absolute Home Health and Hospice, Inc. offers Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs with a competitive salary. They provide home-based care services in San Diego, CA. Their team focuses on helping patients regain independence and improve their quality of life.


  2. The Stepping Stones Group
    Average Salary: $86,667
    The Stepping Stones Group provides Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant positions with a strong salary. They operate in San Diego, CA, and focus on pediatric care. They aim to help children with disabilities achieve their full potential through personalized therapy.


  3. Arroyo Vista Nursing Center
    Average Salary: $78,375
    Arroyo Vista Nursing Center offers Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs with a good salary. They are located in San Diego, CA, and provide skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. Their team works to help residents recover and maintain their independence.


  4. HealthPRO Heritage
    Average Salary: $73,500
    HealthPRO Heritage offers Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs with a solid salary. They operate in San Diego, CA, and provide rehabilitation services in various settings. They focus on helping patients regain their skills and improve their daily living activities.


  5. Villa Rancho Bernardo
    Average Salary: $72,818
    Villa Rancho Bernardo offers Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs with a competitive salary. They are located in San Diego, CA, and provide skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. Their team focuses on helping residents regain their independence and improve their quality of life.


  6. Reo Vista Healthcare Center
    Average Salary: $71,550
    Reo Vista Healthcare Center offers Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs with a good salary. They operate in San Diego, CA, and provide skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. Their team works to help residents recover and maintain their independence.


  7. Family Health Centers of San Diego
    Average Salary: $57,313
    Family Health Centers of San Diego offers Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs with a reasonable salary. They operate in San Diego, CA, and provide comprehensive healthcare services. Their team focuses on helping patients achieve their best health outcomes through personalized care.

Currently 3,100 Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant in the US?

Learn what a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant today.
Position
Overview
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
3,100 Job Openings