Irvine vs Los Angeles: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Irvine, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Irvine, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $131,445▲ | $125,774 |
| Hourly Rate | $63.20▲ | $60.48 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,262▲ | $85,375 |
| 25th Percentile | $107,088▲ | $102,751 |
| 75th Percentile | $160,603▲ | $135,792 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $182,254▲ | $159,465 |
| Total Employed | 72 | 4,950▲ |
Verdict
Irvine, CA offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.
The salary gap between Irvine and Los Angeles is $5,671 (4.51%). Irvine's median is +27.12% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Irvine spans $89,992,Los Angeles spans $74,090. Irvine has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Irvine ($116,220 effective) pays 4.94% more than Los Angeles ($110,750 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Irvine if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($131,445/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($182,254)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $116,220)
- ✓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 Irvine grew -2.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 25.0% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
Irvine, CA
$130,410 (2024) → $127,542 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$97,650 (2019) → $122,040 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Irvine, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Irvine or Los Angeles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Irvine and Los Angeles?
Should I relocate from Irvine to Los Angeles as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Irvine vs Los Angeles?
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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