San Diego vs Woodland: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between San Diego, CA and Woodland, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | Woodland, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $125,403 | $128,163▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $60.29 | $61.62▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $95,629▲ | $91,520 |
| 25th Percentile | $108,739▲ | $104,496 |
| 75th Percentile | $134,401 | $150,420▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $156,806 | $169,427▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,620▲ | 15 |
Verdict
Woodland, 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 Woodland is $2,760 (2.20%). Woodland's median is +23.95% 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,Woodland spans $77,907. Woodland 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, Woodland ($113,318 effective) pays 1.10% 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 Woodland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($128,163/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($169,427)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $113,318)
- ✓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 -2.2% growth in Woodland over the same period.
San Diego, CA
$95,000 (2019) → $121,680 (2025)
Woodland, CA
$127,154 (2024) → $124,358 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Diego, CA
Woodland, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: San Diego or Woodland?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Diego and Woodland?
Should I relocate from San Diego to Woodland as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in San Diego vs Woodland?
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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