verified BLS-Verified Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2025 release

Occupational Therapist Salary in California

Median Annual in California
$124,510/yr
Median Hourly Wage
$59.86/hr
▲ 24% above U.S. median

Salary Distribution in California

groups Employed in CA
13,810
public U.S. Median
$100,330
savings Real pay (cost-adjusted)
$112,455 #3 of 51

Occupational Therapist pay in California, explained

Occupational therapists in California earn a median of $124,510 per year ($59.86 per hour), which is 24% above the national median of $100,330. Entry-level workers earn around $85,550, while the most experienced occupational therapists reach about $158,560. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within California.

Is $124,510 good pay in California?

Adjusted for California's cost of living (which runs 111% of the U.S. average), that $124,510 is worth about $112,455 in national buying power — ranking California #3 for real pay (vs #1 on the sticker number).

See the full Occupational Therapist Real Pay Index arrow_forward

Occupational Therapist pay by experience in California

Entry level (10th pct)
$85,550
$41.13/hr
Median
Mid-career (50th pct)
$124,510
$59.86/hr
Experienced (90th pct)
$158,560
$76.23/hr

Occupational Therapist pay in neighboring states

StateMedian / yrReal payvs CA
California (here) $124,510 $112,455
Oregon $112,310 $108,658 +$12,200
Nevada $110,520 $110,543 +$13,990
Arizona $103,660 $102,963 +$20,850

Occupational Therapist in California: FAQ

How much do occupational therapists make in California?

Occupational therapists in California earn a median of $124,510 per year ($59.86 per hour), compared with $100,330 nationally.

Does California pay occupational therapists well?

At $124,510, California pays 24% above the national median for occupational therapists. An estimated 13,810 work in the state.

Occupational Therapist salary in other states

All 51 states ranked arrow_forward

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