Occupational Therapist Salary in Downey, CA: $128,124 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Downey, CA earns a median $128,124/year (≈ $61.60/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Downey's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $113,284 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in Downey, CA, can expect a median annual salary of $128,124 in 2026, significantly higher than the national average of $103,400. With a salary range from $85,181 at the 10th percentile to $176,024 at the 90th percentile, the market here reflects varied opportunities depending on work settings. The choice between hospital-based roles, school districts, or skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) affects both compensation and working conditions. In this city, the demand favors year-round positions, particularly in hospitals and outpatient facilities, where therapists often earn more due to higher productivity expectations and specialty certifications.
About the Downey Market
Salary estimated from California average ($111,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,181 | $40.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $105,140 | $50.55 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $128,124 | $61.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $153,511 | $73.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $176,024 | $84.62 |
Median Salary Position
23.91% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Downey
In Downey, CA, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $90,843 (2026 est.). At $128,124, the local median is 23.91% above the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Downey: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Downey Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Downey median: $128,124/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Downey Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $126,480 | +1.30% more |
| National Average | $103,400 | +23.91% more |
Occupational Therapists in Downey, CA earn a median of $128,124 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.91% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 1.30% above the California state average of $126,480.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Downey has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Downey, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $128,124 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $113,284 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$105,262
2025 BLS Actual
$124,320
2026 Current Est.
$128,124
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Downey (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $105,262 | Actual |
| 2020 | $106,910 | Actual |
| 2021 | $106,031 | Actual |
| 2022 | $115,460 | Actual |
| 2023 | $119,413 | Actual |
| 2024 | $127,116 | Actual |
| 2025 | $124,320 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $128,124 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $132,045 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Downey metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $105,262 (2019) to $124,320 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $132,045 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,783 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Downey 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) | $85,181 – $105,140 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $105,140 – $128,124 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $128,124 – $153,511 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $153,511 – $176,024 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Downey
Currently, 22 occupational therapists are employed in Downey, indicating a localized market with steady demand. However, the cost of living index, sitting at 113.1, reveals that take-home pay doesn't stretch as far compared to many other regions. Those working in skilled nursing facilities or school districts may find themselves at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while positions in hospital inpatient rehabilitation generally offer higher pay. Factors contributing to this disparity include the setting, certifications like the certified hand therapist (CHT) designation, and annual contracts' structure in schools versus direct service environments. Maximizing income in Downey can involve pursuing advanced certifications, seeking positions in high-paying facilities, or negotiating contracts that reflect the local cost of living and market demands.
More salary data for Downey, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Downey, CA in 2026?
Is Downey, CA a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Downey?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Downey?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Downey?
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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 $124,320 for occupational therapistsin the Downey 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 Downey 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