Occupational Therapist Salary in Fairfield, CA: $130,466 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Fairfield, CA earns a median $130,466/year (≈ $62.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Fairfield's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $115,355 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.1% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, occupational therapists in Fairfield, California, can anticipate a median annual salary of $130,466, notably above the national average of $103,400. This compensation reflects the local market's dynamics and the high demand for specialized skills, particularly for those holding Hand Therapy Certification (CHT). The salary range for the profession in this area spans from $90,879 to $170,469, indicating a promising earning capability for both entry-level therapists and seasoned practitioners alike. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price variations, highlight Fairfield's robust healthcare environment and the potential for financial growth within the occupational therapy sector.
About the Fairfield Market
Salary estimated from California average ($111,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,879 | $43.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $104,977 | $50.47 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $130,466 | $62.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $151,409 | $72.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $170,469 | $81.95 |
Median Salary Position
26.18% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fairfield
In Fairfield, CA, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $79,590 (2026 est.). At $130,466, the local median is 26.18% above the national median of $103,400.
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At 40 hours/week in Fairfield: You'd be above the median
How Fairfield Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Fairfield median: $130,466/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fairfield Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $126,543 | +3.10% more |
| National Average | $103,400 | +26.18% more |
Occupational Therapists in Fairfield, CA earn a median of $130,466 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.18% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 3.10% above the California state average of $126,543.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fairfield has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fairfield, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $130,466 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $115,355 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$107,186
2025 BLS Actual
$126,592
2026 Current Est.
$130,466
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Fairfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $107,186 | Actual |
| 2020 | $108,864 | Actual |
| 2021 | $107,968 | Actual |
| 2022 | $117,570 | Actual |
| 2023 | $121,595 | Actual |
| 2024 | $129,439 | Actual |
| 2025 | $126,592 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $130,466 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $134,458 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fairfield metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $107,186 (2019) to $126,592 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $134,458 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,272 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fairfield 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) | $90,879 – $104,977 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $104,977 – $130,466 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $130,466 – $151,409 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $151,409 – $170,469 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Fairfield
At present, Fairfield employs 25 occupational therapists, a number that contributes to the competitive job market in the region. With a cost-of-living index of 113.1, the financial reality for these professionals is nuanced, affecting their take-home purchasing power. Employers in skilled nursing facilities, hospital inpatient rehab, and outpatient hand therapy clinics tend to offer the highest compensation, making these settings particularly attractive for job seekers aiming to maximize their occupational therapist pay in Fairfield, CA. Factors influencing salary disparities include the workplace setting—hospital roles often command higher salaries than school district or skilled nursing facilities—along with the presence of specialized certifications like the CHT, which can command premium pay. For those looking to enhance their earnings, seeking opportunities in settings that emphasize productivity or pursuing ongoing education to qualify for additional certifications can be advantageous strategies in Fairfield's evolving job market.
More salary data for Fairfield, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Fairfield, CA in 2026?
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Can occupational therapists make $100K in Fairfield?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Fairfield?
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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 $126,592 for occupational therapistsin the Fairfield 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 Fairfield 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