Occupational Therapist Pay

Perris vs San Francisco: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare occupational therapist salaries between Perris, CA and San Francisco, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Perris, CA
$123,694
$59.47/hr
San Francisco, CA
$140,955
$67.77/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPerris, CASan Francisco, CA
Median Salary$123,694$140,955
Hourly Rate$59.47$67.77
Entry Level (P10)$90,782$99,195
25th Percentile$102,977$127,331
75th Percentile$147,205$159,774
Top Earner (P90)$162,865$176,707
Total Employed121,560
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Perris ($123,694) and San Francisco ($140,955) occupational therapist salaries.PerrisSan FranciscoMedian Salary$123,694$140,955Entry Level (P10)$90,782$99,195Top Earner (P90)$162,865$176,707US Median $103,400

Verdict

San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Perris.

The salary gap between Perris and San Francisco is $17,261 (13.95%). San Francisco's median is +36.32% compared to the US national median of $103,400.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Perris spans $72,083,San Francisco spans $77,512. San Francisco has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapists.

Perris
P10 (Entry)$90,782
P25$102,977
Median$123,694
P75$147,205
P90 (Top)$162,865
San Francisco
P10 (Entry)$99,195
P25$127,331
Median$140,955
P75$159,774
P90 (Top)$176,707

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, San Francisco ($121,920 effective) pays 11.48% more than Perris ($109,367 effective).

Perris
Nominal: $123,694
CoL Index: 113.1
Adjusted: $109,367
San Francisco
Nominal: $140,955
CoL Index: 115.613
Adjusted: $121,920

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Perris if…

  • You prefer the California area and lifestyle

Choose San Francisco if…

  • Higher median salary ($140,955/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($176,707)
  • Larger job market (1,560 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $121,920)
  • You prefer the California area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Perris grew -2.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 28.4% growth in San Francisco over the same period.

Perris, CA

+-2.2%

$122,720 (2024) → $120,021 (2025)

San Francisco, CA

+28.4%

$106,520 (2019) → $136,770 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays occupational therapists more: Perris or San Francisco?

San Francisco has a higher median occupational therapist salary at $140,955/year, compared to Perris at $123,694/year — a difference of $17,261 (13.95%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Perris and San Francisco?

Perris occupational therapists earn $59.47/hr while San Francisco hygienists earn $67.77/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Perris to San Francisco as a occupational therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Perris and San Francisco. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Perris = $109,367, San Francisco = $121,920), job availability (12 vs 1,560 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Perris vs San Francisco?

Entry-level (10th percentile) occupational therapists earn $90,782 in Perris and $99,195 in San Francisco. The San Francisco 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