Occupational Therapist Pay

Concord vs Los Angeles: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare occupational therapist salaries between Concord, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Concord, CA
$129,730
$62.37/hr
Los Angeles, CA
$125,774
$60.48/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricConcord, CALos Angeles, CA
Median Salary$129,730$125,774
Hourly Rate$62.37$60.48
Entry Level (P10)$89,325$85,375
25th Percentile$103,497$102,751
75th Percentile$152,415$135,792
Top Earner (P90)$173,149$159,465
Total Employed294,950
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Concord ($129,730) and Los Angeles ($125,774) occupational therapist salaries.ConcordLos AngelesMedian Salary$129,730$125,774Entry Level (P10)$89,325$85,375Top Earner (P90)$173,149$159,465US Median $103,400

Verdict

Concord, CA offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.

The salary gap between Concord and Los Angeles is $3,956 (3.15%). Concord's median is +25.46% compared to the US national median of $103,400.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Concord spans $83,824,Los Angeles spans $74,090. Concord has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Concord
P10 (Entry)$89,325
P25$103,497
Median$129,730
P75$152,415
P90 (Top)$173,149
Los Angeles
P10 (Entry)$85,375
P25$102,751
Median$125,774
P75$135,792
P90 (Top)$159,465

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Concord ($114,704 effective) pays 3.57% more than Los Angeles ($110,750 effective).

Concord
Nominal: $129,730
CoL Index: 113.1
Adjusted: $114,704
Los Angeles
Nominal: $125,774
CoL Index: 113.566
Adjusted: $110,750

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Concord if…

  • Higher median salary ($129,730/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($173,149)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $114,704)
  • You prefer the California area and lifestyle

Choose Los Angeles if…

  • Larger job market (4,950 employed)
  • You prefer the California area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Concord grew -2.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 25.0% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.

Concord, CA

+-2.2%

$128,708 (2024) → $125,878 (2025)

Los Angeles, CA

+25.0%

$97,650 (2019) → $122,040 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays occupational therapists more: Concord or Los Angeles?

Concord has a higher median occupational therapist salary at $129,730/year, compared to Los Angeles at $125,774/year — a difference of $3,956 (3.15%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Concord and Los Angeles?

Concord occupational therapists earn $62.37/hr while Los Angeles hygienists earn $60.48/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Concord to Los Angeles as a occupational therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Concord and Los Angeles. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Concord = $114,704, Los Angeles = $110,750), job availability (29 vs 4,950 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Concord vs Los Angeles?

Entry-level (10th percentile) occupational therapists earn $89,325 in Concord and $85,375 in Los Angeles. The Concord area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JM

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.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Chen, OTR/LData verified by Luis Garcia, OTR/L

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