Occupational Therapist Salary in Costa Mesa, CA: $127,143 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Costa Mesa, CA earns a median $127,143/year (≈ $61.12/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Costa Mesa's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $112,416 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.5% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in Costa Mesa, California, can expect a median annual salary of $127,143 in 2026. This figure reflects a competitive pay scale compared to the national median of $103,400, positioning local professionals 22.96% above the national average. With salaries ranging from $89,842 at the lower percentile to $172,684 at the higher end, practitioners have the potential to earn significantly based on their experience, credentials, and work settings. Whether they choose to work in hospitals, schools, or skilled nursing facilities, the decision dramatically influences earning potential. The area's unique demand for occupational therapy services underscores the importance of considering each employment setting's nuances when negotiating salary and benefits.
About the Costa Mesa Market
Salary estimated from California average ($111,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $89,842 | $43.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $103,174 | $49.60 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $127,143 | $61.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $151,152 | $72.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $172,684 | $83.03 |
Median Salary Position
22.96% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Costa Mesa
In Costa Mesa, CA, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $82,842 (2026 est.). At $127,143, the local median is 22.96% above the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Costa Mesa: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Costa Mesa Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Costa Mesa median: $127,143/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Costa Mesa Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $126,511 | +0.50% more |
| National Average | $103,400 | +22.96% more |
Occupational Therapists in Costa Mesa, CA earn a median of $127,143 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.96% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 0.50% above the California state average of $126,511.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Costa Mesa has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Costa Mesa, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $127,143 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $112,416 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$104,456
2025 BLS Actual
$123,368
2026 Current Est.
$127,143
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Costa Mesa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $104,456 | Actual |
| 2020 | $106,092 | Actual |
| 2021 | $105,219 | Actual |
| 2022 | $114,576 | Actual |
| 2023 | $118,499 | Actual |
| 2024 | $126,142 | Actual |
| 2025 | $123,368 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $127,143 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $131,034 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Costa Mesa metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $104,456 (2019) to $123,368 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $131,034 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,578 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Costa Mesa 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) | $89,842 – $103,174 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $103,174 – $127,143 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $127,143 – $151,152 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $151,152 – $172,684 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Costa Mesa
For the 23 occupational therapists currently employed in Costa Mesa, the cost of living poses challenges that can affect overall financial well-being, given the city's cost-of-living index of 113.1. While skilled nursing facilities often offer lower salaries compared to hospital inpatient rehab, outpatient clinics generally provide a higher pay scale, especially for those with the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential, which commands a substantial premium. Variations in pay can be attributed to several factors, including work setting, seasonal contract differences, and Medicare cuts impacting reimbursements. To optimize earnings in Costa Mesa, occupational therapists should explore year-round contracts in outpatient settings or pursue additional certifications that can enhance their value in the market. Understanding these dynamics is essential for professionals aiming to elevate their occupational therapist pay in Costa Mesa, CA.
More salary data for Costa Mesa, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Costa Mesa, CA in 2026?
Is Costa Mesa, CA a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Costa Mesa?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Costa Mesa?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Costa Mesa?
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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 $123,368 for occupational therapistsin the Costa Mesa 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 Costa Mesa 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