Healthcare Los Angeles, CA Pop. 3,898,747

Occupational Therapist Salary in Los Angeles, California

The median occupational therapist salary in Los Angeles, CA is $143,497 per year, which is 54.0% above the national median and 5.5% above the California state average.

City Median
$143,497
vs State Avg
+$7,454
vs National
+$50,317
Cost of Living
146%

Occupational Therapist Pay in Los Angeles: What to Expect (2026)

Los Angeles offers a median occupational therapist salary of $143,497, which is $7,454 above the California state average of $136,043. Compared to the national median of $93,180, Los Angeles pays above average for this role.

However, Los Angeles's cost of living index is 146%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $143,497 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $98,286. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Los Angeles should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for occupational therapists in Los Angeles spans from $95,480 at the 10th percentile to $196,365 at the 90th percentile — a $100,885 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $98,560, while senior occupational therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $184,800. As a major metro area with a population of 3,898,747, Los Angeles typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Los Angeles by Experience

In Los Angeles, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $98,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $184,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$98,560
+$34,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$143,220
+$50,220 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$184,800
+$64,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Los Angeles, CA

Percentile Los Angeles
10th Percentile $95,480
25th Percentile $118,888
Median (50th) $143,497
75th Percentile $169,092
90th Percentile $196,365

Occupational Therapist Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$177,042
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$163,997
Pop. 1,013,240
San Diego, CA
$139,770
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$117,407
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Occupational Therapist in Los Angeles

Education

Most occupational therapist positions require a master's degree. Los Angeles and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Therapeutic ActivitiesPatient AssessmentAdaptive EquipmentDocumentationRehabilitationCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, occupational therapist employment is projected to grow 12% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Los Angeles may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Occupational Therapist Jobs in Los Angeles

Browse open occupational therapist positions in Los Angeles, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Los Angeles

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
The median occupational therapist salary in Los Angeles, California is $143,497 per year, which is 54.0% above the national median of $93,180. Salaries range from $95,480 (10th percentile) to $196,365 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapist make per hour in Los Angeles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $143,497, a occupational therapist in Los Angeles earns approximately $69 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Los Angeles compare to the California state average for occupational therapist pay? ▼
Los Angeles's median occupational therapist salary of $143,497 is 5.5% above the California state average of $136,043. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 146% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapist salary of $143,497 in Los Angeles has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapist in Los Angeles? ▼
Most occupational therapist positions in Los Angeles require a master's degree. Key skills include Therapeutic Activities, Patient Assessment, Adaptive Equipment, Documentation. The job market is projected to grow 12% nationally over the next decade.