Occupational Therapist Salary in La Habra, CA: $122,190 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in La Habra, CA earns a median $122,190/year (≈ $58.74/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in La Habra's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $108,037 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Though recent Medicare cuts have affected reimbursement rates, the occupational therapist salary in La Habra, CA, remains relatively strong, with a projected median annual income of $122,190 for 2026. This figure places local pay approximately 18.17% higher than the national median of $103,400, showcasing the demand for OTs in various settings. Salary ranges for occupational therapists in La Habra span from $87,709 at the 10th percentile to $162,019 at the 90th percentile, providing a competitive landscape for job seekers. The estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price levels, reflect the cost of living in the area, offering insights into the local job market dynamics and necessary compensation for skilled professionals in occupational therapy.
About the La Habra Market
Salary estimated from California average ($111,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,709 | $42.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $99,965 | $48.06 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $122,190 | $58.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $143,703 | $69.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $162,019 | $77.89 |
Median Salary Position
18.17% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in La Habra
In La Habra, CA, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $74,310 (2026 est.). At $122,190, the local median is 18.17% above the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in La Habra: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How La Habra Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
La Habra median: $122,190/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | La Habra Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $126,491 | -3.40% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | +18.17% more |
Occupational Therapists in La Habra, CA earn a median of $122,190 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.17% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 3.40% below the California state average of $126,491.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
La Habra has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
La Habra, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $122,190 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $108,037 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$100,387
2025 BLS Actual
$118,562
2026 Current Est.
$122,190
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in La Habra (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $100,387 | Actual |
| 2020 | $101,959 | Actual |
| 2021 | $101,120 | Actual |
| 2022 | $110,113 | Actual |
| 2023 | $113,882 | Actual |
| 2024 | $121,228 | Actual |
| 2025 | $118,562 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $122,190 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $125,929 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the La Habra metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $100,387 (2019) to $118,562 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $125,929 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,542 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the La Habra 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) | $87,709 – $99,965 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $99,965 – $122,190 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $122,190 – $143,703 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $143,703 – $162,019 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in La Habra
With only 16 occupational therapists currently employed in La Habra, the job market is relatively small but specialized, leading to varied compensation structures across different settings. The local cost-of-living index is 113.1, indicating that wages must stretch further, emphasizing the need for therapists to consider their take-home purchasing power. Skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehab often pay the highest salaries, while school districts and outpatient settings typically offer lower compensation. Factors contributing to the pay disparity include the employment setting, board certifications such as the CHT specialty premium, and productivity expectations. As the market adjusts to evolving reimbursement models, occupational therapists in La Habra can maximize their earnings by seeking opportunities in high-demand areas, pursuing relevant certifications, and negotiating contracts based on workload and professional expertise.
More salary data for La Habra, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in La Habra, CA in 2026?
Is La Habra, CA a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in La Habra?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in La Habra?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in La Habra?
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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 $118,562 for occupational therapistsin the La Habra 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 La Habra 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