Riverside vs San Jose: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Riverside, CA and San Jose, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Riverside, CA | San Jose, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $123,188 | $141,058▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $59.23 | $67.81▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $89,137 | $100,432▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $105,039 | $128,619▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $138,100 | $168,060▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $155,095 | $175,192▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,110▲ | 840 |
Verdict
San Jose, CA offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Riverside.
The salary gap between Riverside and San Jose is $17,870 (14.51%). San Jose's median is +36.42% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Riverside spans $65,958,San Jose spans $74,760. San Jose 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, San Jose ($127,743 effective) pays 10.38% more than Riverside ($115,733 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Riverside if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,110 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Jose if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($141,058/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($175,192)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $127,743)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Riverside grew 13.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 35.8% growth in San Jose over the same period.
Riverside, CA
$105,640 (2019) → $119,530 (2025)
San Jose, CA
$100,820 (2019) → $136,870 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Riverside, CA
San Jose, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Riverside or San Jose?
What is the hourly rate difference between Riverside and San Jose?
Should I relocate from Riverside to San Jose as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Riverside vs San Jose?
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