California pays occupational therapists more than any other state — its $119,470 median leads all 51 states and D.C. reporting wage data.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $82,090 to $154,800 — a $72,710 spread, 16% wider than the national $62,740 range.
Occupational Therapists are less concentrated in California than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.67 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.49× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $82,090 | $39.47 |
| 25th percentile | $101,160 | $48.63 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $119,470 | $57.44 |
| 75th percentile | $132,630 | $63.76 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $154,800 | $74.42 |
| Mean (average) | $117,120 | $56.31 |
How California Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. California |
|---|---|---|
| California (current) | $119,470 | n/a |
| Oregon | $106,840 | -11% |
| Nevada | $104,770 | -12% |
| Colorado | $103,970 | -13% |
| Oklahoma | $103,510 | -13% |
| New Jersey | $103,340 | -14% |
| Washington | $102,360 | -14% |
| Arizona | $102,220 | -14% |
| Connecticut | $102,080 | -15% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in California
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineers | $118,450 | 54,640 |
| School Psychologists | $118,310 | 9,350 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographers | $120,840 | 9,240 |
| Dental Hygienists | $121,080 | 22,940 |
| Web Developers | $117,380 | 10,820 |
| Commercial Pilots | $122,100 | 5,530 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Occupational Therapists salary in California?
The mean occupational therapists salary in California is $117,120 per year. The median (middle) salary is $119,470 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Occupational Therapists in California?
Entry-level occupational therapistss (10th percentile) in California typically earn around $82,090 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $101,160 per year.
What is the highest Occupational Therapists salary in California?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in California make approximately $154,800 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $132,630 per year.
How does the California Occupational Therapists salary compare to the national average?
The median occupational therapists salary in California is $119,470, which is +21% above national average of $98,340.