Oakland vs San Francisco: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Oakland, CA and San Francisco, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Oakland, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $144,163▲ | $140,955 |
| Hourly Rate | $69.31▲ | $67.77 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $98,114 | $99,195▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $114,654 | $127,331▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $173,208▲ | $159,774 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $200,398▲ | $176,707 |
| Total Employed | 78 | 1,560▲ |
Verdict
Oakland, CA offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Francisco.
The salary gap between Oakland and San Francisco is $3,208 (2.28%). Oakland's median is +39.42% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Oakland spans $102,284,San Francisco spans $77,512. Oakland 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, Oakland ($127,465 effective) pays 4.55% more than San Francisco ($121,920 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Oakland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($144,163/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($200,398)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $127,465)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,560 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Oakland grew 3.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 28.4% growth in San Francisco over the same period.
Oakland, CA
$134,818 (2024) → $139,883 (2025)
San Francisco, CA
$106,520 (2019) → $136,770 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Oakland, CA
San Francisco, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Oakland or San Francisco?
What is the hourly rate difference between Oakland and San Francisco?
Should I relocate from Oakland to San Francisco as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Oakland vs San Francisco?
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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