Occupational Therapist Salary in Compton, CA: $125,327 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Compton, CA earns a median $125,327/year (≈ $60.25/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Compton's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $110,811 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, an occupational therapist in Compton, California, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $125,327, significantly higher than the national average of $103,400. The salary ranges from approximately $84,955 at the lower end to $160,003 at the upper end, reflecting the diverse work settings available in the area. Occupational therapists in Compton can choose between inpatient rehabilitation in hospitals, outpatient services, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), and school-based contracts. This flexibility allows OTs to balance their career aspirations with personal preferences, such as the option for year-round employment versus a school-year schedule, ultimately influencing potential earnings and job satisfaction.
About the Compton Market
Salary estimated from California average ($111,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,955 | $40.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $106,298 | $51.11 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $125,327 | $60.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $143,687 | $69.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $160,003 | $76.92 |
Median Salary Position
21.21% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Compton
In Compton, CA, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $75,048 (2026 est.). At $125,327, the local median is 21.21% above the national median of $103,400.
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How Compton Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Compton median: $125,327/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Compton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $126,593 | -1.00% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | +21.21% more |
Occupational Therapists in Compton, CA earn a median of $125,327 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.21% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 1.00% below the California state average of $126,593.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Compton has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Compton, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $125,327 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $110,811 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$102,965
2025 BLS Actual
$121,606
2026 Current Est.
$125,327
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Compton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $102,965 | Actual |
| 2020 | $104,577 | Actual |
| 2021 | $103,716 | Actual |
| 2022 | $112,940 | Actual |
| 2023 | $116,806 | Actual |
| 2024 | $124,340 | Actual |
| 2025 | $121,606 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $125,327 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $129,162 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Compton metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $102,965 (2019) to $121,606 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $129,162 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,197 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Compton 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) | $84,955 – $106,298 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $106,298 – $125,327 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $125,327 – $143,687 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $143,687 – $160,003 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Compton
The job market for occupational therapists in Compton is relatively stable, with around 25 professionals currently employed in the field. However, the local cost of living is notably above the national average, with a cost of living index of 113.1. This reality means that while salaries may appear competitive on paper, take-home purchasing power can be significantly impacted. Facilities like hospitals and outpatient clinics tend to offer the highest compensation, often due to the higher intensity and productivity expectations associated with these environments. Aspects like board certification, particularly for hand therapy (CHT), can also increase earning potential, making it advantageous for OTs in Compton to pursue specialty credentials. To optimize earnings within this regional market, occupational therapists should consider leveraging these certifications, exploring diverse employment settings, and negotiating contracts based on the varying demands of their roles.
More salary data for Compton, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Compton, CA in 2026?
Is Compton, CA a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Compton?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Compton?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Compton?
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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 $121,606 for occupational therapistsin the Compton 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
Salary data for Compton is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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