Occupational Therapist Salary in California
Occupational Therapists in California earn an average of $111,492 per year across 6 metro areas. This is +15.7% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$111,492
per year
Hourly Rate
$53.60
per hour
vs National
+15.7%
$96,370 national
Salary Range
$72,033
to $159,583
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$111,492
Cost of Living Index
142
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$78,515
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for California's cost of living (above average), a Occupational Therapist's salary of $111,492 has the purchasing power of $78,515 in an average-cost area.
Occupational Therapist Salary by City in California
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $130,696 | $62.83/hr | $84,113 | $183,827 | 183 |
| San Francisco, CA | $128,133 | $61.60/hr | $84,992 | $181,848 | 184 |
| San Diego, CA | $108,658 | $52.24/hr | $68,302 | $158,438 | 161 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $105,786 | $50.86/hr | $67,592 | $148,198 | 211 |
| Sacramento, CA | $100,560 | $48.35/hr | $67,170 | $149,531 | 131 |
| Riverside, CA | $95,116 | $45.73/hr | $60,026 | $135,657 | 137 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
California vs National Average
Occupational Therapist Salary Comparison
Employment in California
There are approximately 1,007 Occupational Therapists employed across 6 metro areas in California.
Key Industries: Technology, Entertainment & Media, Agriculture
State Income Tax: 1% - 13.3%
Occupational Therapist Salary Range in California
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$72,033
Starting salary for new Occupational Therapists
Median (50th Percentile)
$111,492
Mid-career Occupational Therapist salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$159,583
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in California
Nurse Practitioner
$147,716
avg in CA
+$36,224 vs Occupational Therapist
Registered Nurse
$109,589
avg in CA
-$1,903 vs Occupational Therapist
Dental Hygienist
$105,568
avg in CA
-$5,924 vs Occupational Therapist
Licensed Practical Nurse
$70,621
avg in CA
-$40,871 vs Occupational Therapist
Nursing Assistant
$44,150
avg in CA
-$67,342 vs Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapist Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Occupational Therapist salaries in California with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Occupational Therapist Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Occupational Therapist salary in California?
The average Occupational Therapist salary in California is $111,492 per year ($53.60/hour) based on 2026 data across 6 metro areas. This is 15.7% above the national average of $96,370.
What is the highest paying city for Occupational Therapists in California?
San Jose, CA is the highest paying city for Occupational Therapists in California, with a median salary of $130,696 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Riverside, CA at $95,116.
What is the salary range for Occupational Therapists in California?
Occupational Therapist salaries in California range from $72,033 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $159,583 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $111,492 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within California. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.