Occupational Therapist Salary in Daly City, CA: $129,873 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Daly City, CA earns a median $129,873/year (≈ $62.44/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Daly City's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $114,830 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.6% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the occupational therapist salary in Daly City, California, reaches a median annual figure of $129,873, significantly higher than the national median of $103,400. The salary range for this position varies widely, with the bottom 10% earning approximately $89,130 and the top 10% making about $168,805. These numbers derive from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost factors. Occupational therapists in Daly City find diverse employment opportunities across different settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and school districts. Each choice comes with its own trade-offs, especially between the consistent hours of year-round roles and the seasonal nature of school-year contracts, making this market dynamic and competitive.
About the Daly City Market
Salary estimated from California average ($111,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $89,130 | $42.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $103,785 | $49.89 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $129,873 | $62.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $149,889 | $72.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $168,805 | $81.16 |
Median Salary Position
25.60% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Daly City
In Daly City, CA, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $79,675 (2026 est.). At $129,873, the local median is 25.6% above the national median of $103,400.
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At 40 hours/week in Daly City: You'd be above the median
How Daly City Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Daly City median: $129,873/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Daly City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $126,582 | +2.60% more |
| National Average | $103,400 | +25.60% more |
Occupational Therapists in Daly City, CA earn a median of $129,873 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.60% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 2.60% above the California state average of $126,582.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Daly City has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Daly City, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $129,873 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $114,830 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$106,699
2025 BLS Actual
$126,017
2026 Current Est.
$129,873
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Daly City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $106,699 | Actual |
| 2020 | $108,370 | Actual |
| 2021 | $107,478 | Actual |
| 2022 | $117,036 | Actual |
| 2023 | $121,043 | Actual |
| 2024 | $128,851 | Actual |
| 2025 | $126,017 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $129,873 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $133,847 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Daly City metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $106,699 (2019) to $126,017 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $133,847 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,148 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Daly City 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) | $89,130 – $103,785 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $103,785 – $129,873 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $129,873 – $149,889 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $149,889 – $168,805 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Daly City
Employing around 20 occupational therapists, Daly City demonstrates a strong job market amidst a cost-of-living index of 113.1, which suggests that housing and other expenses are higher compared to the national average. In this context, the actual take-home pay can vary significantly based on the setting; for example, hospital inpatient rehab generally offers higher compensation than school contracts or skilled nursing facilities. Factors contributing to the disparity in occupational therapist pay in Daly City include specific board certification stipends like the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential, which commands a premium, as well as productivity demands and the impact of Medicare cuts. To optimize salary, professionals should seek hospital positions when possible, pursue relevant certifications, and consider their long-term career goals while evaluating immediate pay options across various environments.
More salary data for Daly City, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Daly City, CA in 2026?
Is Daly City, CA a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Daly City?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Daly City?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Daly City?
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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 $126,017 for occupational therapistsin the Daly City 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 Daly City 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