Los Angeles vs San Diego: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Los Angeles, CA and San Diego, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $125,774▲ | $125,403 |
| Hourly Rate | $60.48▲ | $60.29 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,375 | $95,629▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $102,751 | $108,739▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $135,792▲ | $134,401 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $159,465▲ | $156,806 |
| Total Employed | 4,950▲ | 1,620 |
Verdict
Los Angeles, CA offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to San Diego.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and San Diego is $371 (0.30%). Los Angeles's median is +21.64% 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,San Diego spans $61,177. Los Angeles 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, San Diego ($112,080 effective) pays 1.20% 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…
- ✓Higher median salary ($125,774/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($159,465)
- ✓Larger job market (4,950 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Diego if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,080)
- ✓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 28.1% growth in San Diego over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$97,650 (2019) → $122,040 (2025)
San Diego, CA
$95,000 (2019) → $121,680 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
San Diego, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Los Angeles or San Diego?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and San Diego?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to San Diego as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Los Angeles 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