Occupational Therapist Salary in Chico, CA: $133,215 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Chico, CA earns a median $133,215/year (≈ $64.04/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Chico's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 101.2), that paycheck buys what $131,639 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.3% above the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, occupational therapists in Chico, California, can expect a median annual salary of $133,215, a figure significantly above the national median of $103,400. The projected salary range spans from $105,018 at the 10th percentile to $148,077 at the 90th percentile, indicating a healthy market for this profession. These figures, derived from official 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, reflect the resilience of occupational therapy salaries in the area, especially post-2022 Medicare cuts that have impacted compensation dynamics for skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and outpatient settings. As the demand for effective rehabilitation services continues to grow, the earning potential for occupational therapists in Chico looks promising.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $105,018 | $50.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $107,842 | $51.85 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $133,215 | $64.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $139,945 | $67.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $148,077 | $71.19 |
Median Salary Position
28.83% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chico
In Chico, CA, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $43,059 (2026 est.). At $133,215, the local median is 28.83% above the national median of $103,400.
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At 40 hours/week in Chico: You'd be above the median
How Chico Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Chico median: $133,215/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chico Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $126,510 | +5.30% more |
| National Average | $103,400 | +28.83% more |
Occupational Therapists in Chico, CA earn a median of $133,215 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.83% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 5.30% above the California state average of $126,510.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chico has a cost of living 1.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chico, CA has a cost-of-living index of 101.197 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $133,215 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $131,639 — a 1.18% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$105,890
2025 BLS Actual
$129,260
2026 Current Est.
$133,215
2019–2027 Growth
+29.7%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Chico (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $105,890 | Actual |
| 2020 | $108,260 | Actual |
| 2021 | $94,010 | Actual |
| 2022 | $104,400 | Actual |
| 2023 | $110,990 | Actual |
| 2024 | $128,980 | Actual |
| 2025 | $129,260 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $133,215 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $137,292 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chico metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 22.1% from $105,890 (2019) to $129,260 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $137,292 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,402 (29.66%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chico metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.06% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $105,018 – $107,842 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $107,842 – $133,215 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $133,215 – $139,945 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $139,945 – $148,077 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Chico
With approximately 70 occupational therapists currently employed in the Chico region, the job market remains competitive yet supportive. The cost-of-living index at 101.197 suggests that while expenses are slightly above the national average, the compensation for OTs still offers substantial purchasing power. Major employers in the area include skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation centers, typically offering the highest salaries. The disparity in salaries often hinges on the setting—hospital roles generally pay more than school district contracts or SNF positions. Additionally, holding a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential can command a premium in salary, and understanding the impact of productivity expectations and contract types can guide therapists in maximizing their earnings. Focusing on continued education and obtaining specialized certifications can lead to enhanced salary prospects within the Chico market.
More salary data for Chico, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Chico, CA in 2026?
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Can occupational therapists make $100K in Chico?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Chico?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Chico?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $129,260 for occupational therapistsin the Chico metropolitan area. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.06%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapists (SOC 29-1122).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov