Occupational Therapist Salary in California
Based on 14K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$124,510
$59.86/hr
vs National Average
$98,754
+26.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$86K – $159K
14K employed in California
Occupational Therapist salary in California averages $124,510 annually, positioning the state as a lucrative market for practitioners in this field. With over 13,800 occupational therapists currently employed across California, the median compensation sits 26% above the national average, reflecting the state's higher cost of living and strong demand for healthcare professionals.
Occupational Therapist salary in California varies significantly based on experience level, employer type, and geographic location within the state. Entry-level positions typically start around $85,550, while experienced practitioners in high-demand areas or specialized settings can earn up to $158,560 annually. Factors such as clinical specialization, advanced certifications, and employment in urban healthcare centers substantially influence earning potential in this competitive market.
Salary Distribution — Occupational Therapist in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $85,550 |
| 25th percentile | $103,950 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $124,510 |
| 75th percentile | $136,380 |
| 90th percentile | $158,560 |
Top-Paying Industries for Occupational Therapist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Occupational Therapists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Occupational Therapists in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $105,560 | 3K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $101,950 | 200 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $101,410 | 570 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $101,080 | 133K |
| Administrative and Support Services | $100,120 | 3K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Occupational Therapist in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $104,380 |
| 2023 | $112,390 |
| 2024 | $119,470 |
| 2025 | $124,510 |
| 2026 (projected) | $129,763 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $104,380 | $88,771 |
| 2023 | $112,390 | $93,040 |
| 2024 | $119,470 | $95,329 |
| 2025 | $124,510 | $98,754 |
| 2026 (projected) | $129,763 | $102,920 |
Occupational Therapist Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $103,950 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $124,510 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $136,380 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $158,560 |
Occupational Therapist Salary in Other States
Related Occupational Therapist Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Occupational Therapist ($124,510 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Occupational Therapist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychiatrist in CA | $353,500 | +183.9% | $169.95/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in CA | $313,890 | +152.1% | $150.91/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in CA | $301,240 | +141.9% | $144.83/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in CA | $292,410 | +134.8% | $140.58/hr |
| Radiologist in CA | $270,560 | +117.3% | $130.08/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in CA | $252,010 | +102.4% | $121.16/hr |
| Pediatrician in CA | $214,140 | +72.0% | $102.95/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in CA | $203,840 | +63.7% | $98.00/hr |
| Podiatrist in CA | $201,300 | +61.7% | $96.78/hr |
| Cardiologist in CA | $185,610 | +49.1% | $89.24/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in CA | $168,520 | +35.3% | $81.02/hr |
| Dentist in CA | $165,950 | +33.3% | $79.78/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in California?
- The median salary for occupational therapists in California is $124,510 per year, or $60 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 26.1% increase compared to occupational therapists across the United States.
What is the salary range for occupational therapists in California?
- Occupational therapist salaries in California range from $85,550 at the lower end to $158,560 at the higher end. This wide range reflects variations based on experience, location within the state, and employer type.
Is being an occupational therapist in California worth it compared to the national average?
- Yes, occupational therapists in California earn 26.1% more than the national average, with a median salary of $124,510 annually. This significant premium makes California one of the most lucrative states for this profession.
How many occupational therapists work in California?
- There are currently 13,810 occupational therapists employed in California. This substantial workforce reflects strong demand for occupational therapy services throughout the state.