Healthcare San Francisco, CA Pop. 873,965

Occupational Therapist Salary in San Francisco, California

The median occupational therapist salary in San Francisco, CA is $177,042 per year, which is 90.0% above the national median and 30.1% above the California state average.

City Median
$177,042
vs State Avg
+$40,999
vs National
+$83,862
Cost of Living
182%

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

San Francisco offers a median occupational therapist salary of $177,042, which is $40,999 above the California state average of $136,043. Compared to the national median of $93,180, San Francisco pays above average for this role.

However, San Francisco's cost of living index is 182%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $177,042 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $97,276. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Francisco should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for occupational therapists in San Francisco spans from $117,800 at the 10th percentile to $242,269 at the 90th percentile — a $124,469 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $121,600, while senior occupational therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $228,000. As a major metro area with a population of 873,965, San Francisco typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Occupational Therapist Salary in San Francisco by Experience

In San Francisco, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $121,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $228,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$121,600
+$57,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$176,700
+$83,700 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$228,000
+$108,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Francisco, CA

Percentile San Francisco
10th Percentile $117,800
25th Percentile $146,680
Median (50th) $177,042
75th Percentile $208,620
90th Percentile $242,269

Occupational Therapist Salary in Other California Cities

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

How to Become a Occupational Therapist in San Francisco

Education

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

Find Occupational Therapist Jobs in San Francisco

Browse open occupational therapist positions in San Francisco, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in San Francisco

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in San Francisco, CA? ▼
The median occupational therapist salary in San Francisco, California is $177,042 per year, which is 90.0% above the national median of $93,180. Salaries range from $117,800 (10th percentile) to $242,269 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapist make per hour in San Francisco? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $177,042, a occupational therapist in San Francisco earns approximately $85 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Francisco compare to the California state average for occupational therapist pay? ▼
San Francisco's median occupational therapist salary of $177,042 is 30.1% above the California state average of $136,043. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Francisco, CA? ▼
San Francisco has a cost of living index of 182% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapist salary of $177,042 in San Francisco 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 Francisco? ▼
Most occupational therapist positions in San Francisco 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.