Chico vs San Diego: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Chico, CA and San Diego, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chico, CA | San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,215▲ | $125,403 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.04▲ | $60.29 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $105,018▲ | $95,629 |
| 25th Percentile | $107,842 | $108,739▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $139,945▲ | $134,401 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $148,077 | $156,806▲ |
| Total Employed | 70 | 1,620▲ |
Verdict
Chico and San Diego are closely matched on overall occupational therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Chico and San Diego is $7,812 (6.23%). Chico's median is +28.83% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chico spans $43,059,San Diego spans $61,177. San Diego has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Chico ($131,639 effective) pays 17.45% more than San Diego ($112,080 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chico if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($133,215/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $131,639)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Diego if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($156,806)
- ✓Larger job market (1,620 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Chico grew 22.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 28.1% growth in San Diego over the same period.
Chico, CA
$105,890 (2019) → $129,260 (2025)
San Diego, CA
$95,000 (2019) → $121,680 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Diego, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Chico or San Diego?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chico and San Diego?
Should I relocate from Chico to San Diego as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Chico vs San Diego?
Related Comparisons
Written by Jordan Miller, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in occupational therapy. They specialize in pediatrics and work in a rehabilitation clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov