Los Angeles vs Petaluma: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Petaluma, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Petaluma, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $125,774 | $130,666▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $60.48 | $62.82▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,375 | $97,071▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $102,751 | $109,258▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $135,792 | $153,119▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $159,465 | $172,839▲ |
| Total Employed | 4,950▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Petaluma, CA offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and Petaluma is $4,892 (3.89%). Petaluma's median is +26.37% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Los Angeles spans $74,090,Petaluma spans $75,768. Petaluma 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, Petaluma ($115,531 effective) pays 4.32% 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 Los Angeles if…
- ✓Larger job market (4,950 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Petaluma if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($130,666/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($172,839)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $115,531)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Los Angeles grew 25.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 3.0% growth in Petaluma over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$97,650 (2019) → $122,040 (2025)
Petaluma, CA
$123,097 (2024) → $126,786 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Petaluma, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Los Angeles or Petaluma?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and Petaluma?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to Petaluma as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Los Angeles vs Petaluma?
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