Healthcare Sacramento, CA Pop. 524,943

Occupational Therapist Salary in Sacramento, California

The median occupational therapist salary in Sacramento, CA is $117,407 per year, which is 26.0% above the national median and 13.7% below the California state average.

City Median
$117,407
vs State Avg
$-18,636
vs National
+$24,227
Cost of Living
118%

Occupational Therapist Pay in Sacramento: What to Expect (2026)

Sacramento offers a median occupational therapist salary of $117,407, which is $18,636 below the California state average of $136,043. Compared to the national median of $93,180, Sacramento pays above average for this role.

However, Sacramento's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $117,407 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $99,497. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Sacramento should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for occupational therapists in Sacramento spans from $78,120 at the 10th percentile to $160,663 at the 90th percentile — a $82,543 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $80,640, while senior occupational therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $151,200. As a major metro area with a population of 524,943, Sacramento typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Sacramento by Experience

In Sacramento, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $80,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $151,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$80,640
+$16,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$117,180
+$24,180 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$151,200
+$31,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Sacramento, CA

Percentile Sacramento
10th Percentile $78,120
25th Percentile $97,272
Median (50th) $117,407
75th Percentile $138,348
90th Percentile $160,663

Occupational Therapist Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$177,042
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$163,997
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$143,497
Pop. 3,898,747
San Diego, CA
$139,770
Pop. 1,386,932

How to Become a Occupational Therapist in Sacramento

Education

Most occupational therapist positions require a master's degree. Sacramento 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 Sacramento may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Occupational Therapist Jobs in Sacramento

Browse open occupational therapist positions in Sacramento, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Sacramento

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in Sacramento, CA? ▼
The median occupational therapist salary in Sacramento, California is $117,407 per year, which is 26.0% above the national median of $93,180. Salaries range from $78,120 (10th percentile) to $160,663 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapist make per hour in Sacramento? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $117,407, a occupational therapist in Sacramento earns approximately $56 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Sacramento compare to the California state average for occupational therapist pay? ▼
Sacramento's median occupational therapist salary of $117,407 is 13.7% below the California state average of $136,043. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Sacramento, CA? ▼
Sacramento has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapist salary of $117,407 in Sacramento has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapist in Sacramento? ▼
Most occupational therapist positions in Sacramento 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.