Occupational Therapist Pay

San Francisco vs San Ramon: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)

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

San Francisco, CA
$140,955
$67.77/hr
San Ramon, CA
$126,399
$60.76/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSan Francisco, CASan Ramon, CA
Median Salary$140,955$126,399
Hourly Rate$67.77$60.76
Entry Level (P10)$99,195$87,542
25th Percentile$127,331$100,922
75th Percentile$159,774$146,311
Top Earner (P90)$176,707$163,535
Total Employed1,56019
Side-by-side bar chart comparing San Francisco ($140,955) and San Ramon ($126,399) occupational therapist salaries.San FranciscoSan RamonMedian Salary$140,955$126,399Entry Level (P10)$99,195$87,542Top Earner (P90)$176,707$163,535US Median $103,400

Verdict

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

The salary gap between San Francisco and San Ramon is $14,556 (11.52%). 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 San Francisco spans $77,512,San Ramon spans $75,993. San Francisco has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

San Francisco
P10 (Entry)$99,195
P25$127,331
Median$140,955
P75$159,774
P90 (Top)$176,707
San Ramon
P10 (Entry)$87,542
P25$100,922
Median$126,399
P75$146,311
P90 (Top)$163,535

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, San Francisco ($121,920 effective) pays 9.09% more than San Ramon ($111,759 effective).

San Francisco
Nominal: $140,955
CoL Index: 115.613
Adjusted: $121,920
San Ramon
Nominal: $126,399
CoL Index: 113.1
Adjusted: $111,759

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

Which City Is Right for You?

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

Choose San Ramon if…

  • You prefer the California area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in San Francisco grew 28.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -2.2% growth in San Ramon over the same period.

San Francisco, CA

+28.4%

$106,520 (2019) → $136,770 (2025)

San Ramon, CA

+-2.2%

$125,404 (2024) → $122,646 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

San Francisco has a higher median occupational therapist salary at $140,955/year, compared to San Ramon at $126,399/year — a difference of $14,556 (11.52%).

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

San Francisco occupational therapists earn $67.77/hr while San Ramon hygienists earn $60.76/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing San Francisco and San Ramon. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: San Francisco = $121,920, San Ramon = $111,759), job availability (1,560 vs 19 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) occupational therapists earn $99,195 in San Francisco and $87,542 in San Ramon. 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