Occupational Therapist Salary in Lynwood, CA: $122,139 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Lynwood, CA earns a median $122,139/year (≈ $58.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Lynwood's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $107,992 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.5% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, occupational therapist salaries in Lynwood, California, are projected to reach a median of $122,139, reflecting the challenges faced by the healthcare sector following the Medicare cuts impacting skilled nursing facilities and outpatient services. The salary range for this profession stretches from $87,720 at the 10th percentile to $157,790 at the 90th percentile. These figures come from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, appropriately adjusted for the local cost of living. With the annual growth rate for occupational therapist positions expected to be 3.06%, the demand for skilled professionals remains strong in the area, indicating a robust job market for current and prospective occupational therapists.
About the Lynwood Market
Salary estimated from California average ($111,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,720 | $42.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $99,865 | $48.02 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $122,139 | $58.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $140,864 | $67.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $157,790 | $75.86 |
Median Salary Position
18.12% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lynwood
In Lynwood, CA, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $70,070 (2026 est.). At $122,139, the local median is 18.12% above the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lynwood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lynwood Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Lynwood median: $122,139/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lynwood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $126,569 | -3.50% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | +18.12% more |
Occupational Therapists in Lynwood, CA earn a median of $122,139 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.12% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 3.50% below the California state average of $126,569.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lynwood has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lynwood, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $122,139 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $107,992 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$100,346
2025 BLS Actual
$118,513
2026 Current Est.
$122,139
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Lynwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $100,346 | Actual |
| 2020 | $101,917 | Actual |
| 2021 | $101,078 | Actual |
| 2022 | $110,067 | Actual |
| 2023 | $113,835 | Actual |
| 2024 | $121,178 | Actual |
| 2025 | $118,513 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $122,139 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $125,877 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lynwood metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $100,346 (2019) to $118,513 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $125,877 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,531 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lynwood 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) | $87,720 – $99,865 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $99,865 – $122,139 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $122,139 – $140,864 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $140,864 – $157,790 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Lynwood
The occupational therapy job market in Lynwood currently employs 16 therapists, making it a tight-knit community within the healthcare landscape. The area's cost of living index at 113.1 suggests that salaries can vary significantly in real purchasing power terms. Employers that typically offer higher salaries include hospital inpatient rehabilitation facilities and outpatient hand therapy clinics, whereas settings like schools and skilled nursing facilities tend to reflect lower pay scales. Factors contributing to the disparity include specialty certifications such as the CHT premium, as well as productivity expectations and the differences in work contracts throughout the year. To maximize earnings, professionals should consider targeting high-paying environments or pursuing advanced certifications. Furthermore, staying informed about market trends and advocating for appropriate compensation in the face of financial pressures from programs like Medicare can greatly enhance earning potential in Lynwood, CA.
More salary data for Lynwood, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Lynwood, CA in 2026?
Is Lynwood, CA a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Lynwood?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Lynwood?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Lynwood?
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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 $118,513 for occupational therapistsin the Lynwood 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 Lynwood 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