Healthcare San Diego, CA Pop. 1,386,932

Occupational Therapist Salary in San Diego, California

The median occupational therapist salary in San Diego, CA is $139,770 per year, which is 50.0% above the national median and 2.7% above the California state average.

City Median
$139,770
vs State Avg
+$3,727
vs National
+$46,590
Cost of Living
142%

Occupational Therapist Pay in San Diego: What to Expect (2026)

San Diego offers a median occupational therapist salary of $139,770, which is $3,727 above the California state average of $136,043. Compared to the national median of $93,180, San Diego pays above average for this role.

However, San Diego's cost of living index is 142%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $139,770 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $98,430. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Diego should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for occupational therapists in San Diego spans from $93,000 at the 10th percentile to $191,265 at the 90th percentile — a $98,265 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $96,000, while senior occupational therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $180,000. As a major metro area with a population of 1,386,932, San Diego typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Occupational Therapist Salary in San Diego by Experience

In San Diego, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $96,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $180,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$96,000
+$32,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$139,500
+$46,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$180,000
+$60,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Diego, CA

Percentile San Diego
10th Percentile $93,000
25th Percentile $115,800
Median (50th) $139,770
75th Percentile $164,700
90th Percentile $191,265

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
Sacramento, CA
$117,407
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Occupational Therapist in San Diego

Education

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

Find Occupational Therapist Jobs in San Diego

Browse open occupational therapist positions in San Diego, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in San Diego

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in San Diego, CA? ▼
The median occupational therapist salary in San Diego, California is $139,770 per year, which is 50.0% above the national median of $93,180. Salaries range from $93,000 (10th percentile) to $191,265 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapist make per hour in San Diego? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $139,770, a occupational therapist in San Diego earns approximately $67 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Diego compare to the California state average for occupational therapist pay? ▼
San Diego's median occupational therapist salary of $139,770 is 2.7% above the California state average of $136,043. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Diego, CA? ▼
San Diego has a cost of living index of 142% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapist salary of $139,770 in San Diego has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapist in San Diego? ▼
Most occupational therapist positions in San Diego 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.