San Diego vs Santa Maria: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between San Diego, CA and Santa Maria, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | Santa Maria, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $125,403 | $129,742▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $60.29 | $62.38▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $95,629 | $98,804▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $108,739 | $113,139▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $134,401 | $141,522▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $156,806 | $157,115▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,620▲ | 170 |
Verdict
Santa Maria, CA offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Diego.
The salary gap between San Diego and Santa Maria is $4,339 (3.46%). Santa Maria's median is +25.48% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Diego spans $61,177,Santa Maria spans $58,311. San Diego 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, Santa Maria ($119,250 effective) pays 6.40% more than San Diego ($112,080 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose San Diego if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,620 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Maria if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($129,742/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($157,115)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $119,250)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in San Diego grew 28.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.6% growth in Santa Maria over the same period.
San Diego, CA
$95,000 (2019) → $121,680 (2025)
Santa Maria, CA
$105,290 (2019) → $125,890 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Diego, CA
Santa Maria, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: San Diego or Santa Maria?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Diego and Santa Maria?
Should I relocate from San Diego to Santa Maria as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in San Diego vs Santa Maria?
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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