Occupational Therapist Salary in Lodi, CA: $125,005 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Lodi, CA earns a median $125,005/year (≈ $60.09/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Lodi's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $110,526 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, occupational therapists in Lodi, California can expect a median annual salary of $125,005, significantly higher than the national median of $103,400, translating to a premium of 20.89%. With a salary range from $91,889 at the lower end up to $163,891 for the top earners, the potential for career growth and financial gain is evident. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, reflect local market conditions and regional cost adjustments. Lodi’s growing healthcare needs underscore a robust opportunity for occupational therapists, particularly those who achieve specialized certifications like the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), which often translates into higher pay and broader job prospects.
About the Lodi Market
Salary estimated from California average ($111,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $91,889 | $44.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $103,888 | $49.94 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $125,005 | $60.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $145,897 | $70.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $163,891 | $78.79 |
Median Salary Position
20.89% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lodi
In Lodi, CA, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $72,002 (2026 est.). At $125,005, the local median is 20.89% above the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lodi: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lodi Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Lodi median: $125,005/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lodi Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $126,523 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | +20.89% more |
Occupational Therapists in Lodi, CA earn a median of $125,005 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.89% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 1.20% below the California state average of $126,523.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lodi has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lodi, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $125,005 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $110,526 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$102,699
2025 BLS Actual
$121,293
2026 Current Est.
$125,005
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Lodi (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $102,699 | Actual |
| 2020 | $104,307 | Actual |
| 2021 | $103,449 | Actual |
| 2022 | $112,649 | Actual |
| 2023 | $116,506 | Actual |
| 2024 | $122,570 | Actual |
| 2025 | $121,293 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $125,005 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $128,830 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lodi metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $102,699 (2019) to $121,293 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $128,830 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,131 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lodi 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) | $91,889 – $103,888 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $103,888 – $125,005 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $125,005 – $145,897 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $145,897 – $163,891 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Lodi
Currently, there are 14 occupational therapists employed in the Lodi area, indicating a tightly-knit local job market. Although Lodi’s cost of living index stands at 113.1, higher than the national average, it is crucial for professionals to consider how this impacts their take-home pay. Employers, such as skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation centers, typically offer the most competitive salaries, while those in school districts and outpatient clinics may face lower compensation levels. Factors influencing salary variance include organizational type and certifications, with the CHT specialty often yielding the highest premiums. Furthermore, the landscape of pay can be affected by productivity expectations and the economic implications of Medicare cuts on skilled nursing facilities. For occupational therapists in Lodi, seeking additional certifications and pursuing roles in higher-paying settings can maximize earning potential in this dynamic market.
More salary data for Lodi, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Lodi, CA in 2026?
Is Lodi, CA a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Lodi?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Lodi?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Lodi?
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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 $121,293 for occupational therapistsin the Lodi 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 Lodi 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