Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in San Diego, CA

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in San Diego, CA

Updated on Mar 10, 2026
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 $89,817 per year in San Diego, CA.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in San Diego, CA, showing an average salary of $89,817 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in San Diego, CA, showing an average salary of $7,485 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in San Diego, CA, showing an average salary of $1,727 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in San Diego, CA, showing an average salary of $43 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

A Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant in San Diego, CA can earn a competitive salary. On average, they make about $89,817 per year. This is a great income that provides a good quality of life. It is higher than many other jobs and helps with the cost of living in San Diego.

Here are some more details about the salaries: most earn between $74,773 and $96,364 each year. The lowest-paid 10% make around $57,500, while the top 10% earn around $105,000 or more. This range shows that with experience and skill, it is possible to earn more. People in this profession have good job security and opportunities to grow their careers.

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in San Diego, CA
View all 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?

Job seekers looking for top-paying positions as Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants should explore nearby cities in San Diego. Del Mar leads with the highest average salary of $91,834. Close behind are Ramona and La Jolla, offering average salaries of $83,520 and $80,300 respectively. These cities provide competitive compensation and excellent opportunities for those in the field.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs near San Diego, CA, highlighting Del Mar, CA with the highest at $91,834 and Poway, CA with the lowest at $74,681.

  1. Del Mar, CA
    Average Salary: $91,834
    In Del Mar, a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) finds fulfilling work in various settings, such as hospitals and rehabilitation centers. The city’s growing healthcare sector offers many opportunities to make a difference in patients' lives. Local employers like Scripps Health and Kaiser Permanente are looking for dedicated professionals.
    Find Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in Del Mar, CA


  2. Ramona, CA
    Average Salary: $83,520
    Ramona offers a serene environment for those who want to work as an Occupational Therapy Assistant. This city’s smaller size creates a close-knit community where healthcare providers are highly valued. Local facilities, including Palomar Health, provide excellent career growth opportunities.
    Find Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in Ramona, CA


  3. La Jolla, CA
    Average Salary: $80,300
    La Jolla is a vibrant city known for its beautiful beaches and thriving healthcare industry. COTAs here work in modern facilities, contributing to patient recovery and well-being. Key employers like UC San Diego Health System offer state-of-the-art resources.
    Find Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in La Jolla, CA


  4. Chula Vista, CA
    Average Salary: $80,206
    Chula Vista is a dynamic city with a strong demand for Occupational Therapy Assistants. The area boasts diverse healthcare facilities where professionals can enhance their skills. Employers such as Kaiser Permanente provide excellent support and training.
    Find Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in Chula Vista, CA


  5. Spring Valley, CA
    Average Salary: $79,940
    Spring Valley offers a welcoming environment for those in the occupational therapy field. This community benefits from a growing healthcare sector, providing numerous job opportunities. Local employers like Sharp Healthcare are known for their supportive workplace culture.
    Find Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in Spring Valley, CA


  6. El Cajon, CA
    Average Salary: $79,488
    In El Cajon, COTAs can find rewarding positions in well-established healthcare institutions. The city’s focus on community health creates a demand for skilled professionals. Companies like Kaiser Permanente offer extensive career development programs.
    Find Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in El Cajon, CA


  7. La Mesa, CA
    Average Salary: $78,889
    La Mesa provides a great setting for occupational therapy assistants to thrive. The city’s healthcare facilities emphasize patient care, giving COTAs the chance to make a real impact. Local employers like Sharp HealthCare offer solid job stability and growth.
    Find Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in La Mesa, CA


  8. National City, CA
    Average Salary: $76,292
    National City is a city where COTAs can enjoy a supportive work environment. The local healthcare sector is robust, with many facilities needing skilled professionals. Employers like Kaiser Permanente provide opportunities for professional growth and development.
    Find Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in National City, CA


  9. Poway, CA
    Average Salary: $74,681
    Poway offers a pleasant setting for COTAs, combining a strong healthcare community with a friendly atmosphere. Local facilities, including Palomar Health, provide excellent support for career advancement. The city’s focus on quality care makes it a great place to work.
    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?

Stepping Stones Group offers the highest salary for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants in San Diego at $86,667. Arroyo Vista Nursing Center follows closely with an average salary of $83,750. HealthPRO Heritage also provides a competitive salary of $73,500 for this role. These top employers in San Diego provide attractive compensation packages for qualified candidates.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in San Diego, CA, highlighting The Stepping Stones Group with the highest at $86,667 and Family Health Centers of San Diego with the lowest at $57,313.

  1. The Stepping Stones Group
    Average Salary: $86,667
    The Stepping Stones Group offers rewarding Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs. They provide care in several locations across San Diego, including Mission Hills, La Jolla, and Rancho Bernardo. Employees enjoy competitive salaries and benefits.


  2. Arroyo Vista Nursing Center
    Average Salary: $83,750
    Arroyo Vista Nursing Center is known for its supportive work environment. It operates in locations such as Kearny Mesa and North Park. Here, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants help patients recover and improve their quality of life.


  3. Balboa Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
    Average Salary: $82,000
    Balboa Nursing and Rehabilitation Center provides excellent opportunities for growth. It serves patients in areas like Point Loma and Mission Bay. The center emphasizes teamwork and offers a comprehensive benefits package.


  4. HealthPRO Heritage
    Average Salary: $73,500
    HealthPRO Heritage operates in various San Diego locations, including Carlsbad and Chula Vista. They focus on rehabilitation and provide a supportive environment for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants.


  5. Villa Rancho Bernardo
    Average Salary: $72,857
    Villa Rancho Bernardo is a leading provider of skilled nursing care. Located in Rancho Bernardo, it offers competitive salaries. The center values teamwork and patient care, providing a fulfilling work experience.


  6. Family Health Centers of San Diego
    Average Salary: $57,313
    Family Health Centers of San Diego operates multiple clinics across the city. Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants work in areas such as Downtown and East San Diego. The center offers a supportive environment with a focus on community health.

Currently 2,901 Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant job openings, nationwide.

View Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in San Diego, CA

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.
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Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
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