Occupational Therapist Salary in Murrieta, CA: $126,274 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Murrieta, CA earns a median $126,274/year (≈ $60.71/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Murrieta's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $111,648 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.2% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapist salaries in Murrieta, California, present a competitive picture for professionals considering various employment settings. In 2026, the projected median annual salary stands at $126,274, significantly exceeding the national median of $103,400, reflecting a 22.12% higher earning potential for local occupational therapists. The spectrum of salaries ranges from $91,494 at the 10th percentile to $169,423 at the 90th percentile. Factors such as whether one works in a hospital, skilled nursing facility, or educational setting can impact overall compensation. With diverse roles available, it is essential for therapists to evaluate their preferences between the year-round job stability of schools versus the dynamic environment of healthcare settings.
About the Murrieta Market
Salary estimated from California average ($111,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $91,494 | $43.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $104,185 | $50.09 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $126,274 | $60.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $152,065 | $73.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $169,423 | $81.46 |
Median Salary Position
22.12% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Murrieta
In Murrieta, CA, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $77,929 (2026 est.). At $126,274, the local median is 22.12% above the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Murrieta: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Murrieta Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Murrieta median: $126,274/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Murrieta Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $126,527 | -0.20% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | +22.12% more |
Occupational Therapists in Murrieta, CA earn a median of $126,274 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.12% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 0.20% below the California state average of $126,527.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Murrieta has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Murrieta, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $126,274 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $111,648 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$103,743
2025 BLS Actual
$122,525
2026 Current Est.
$126,274
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Murrieta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $103,743 | Actual |
| 2020 | $105,367 | Actual |
| 2021 | $104,500 | Actual |
| 2022 | $113,793 | Actual |
| 2023 | $117,689 | Actual |
| 2024 | $125,280 | Actual |
| 2025 | $122,525 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $126,274 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $130,138 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Murrieta metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $103,743 (2019) to $122,525 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $130,138 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,395 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Murrieta 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) | $91,494 – $104,185 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $104,185 – $126,274 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $126,274 – $152,065 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $152,065 – $169,423 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Murrieta
In Murrieta, the local job market currently employs 25 occupational therapists, which suggests a close-knit professional community. Coupled with a cost-of-living index of 113.1, the real buying power for therapists may be impacted, as living expenses are slightly above the national average. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation centers typically offer the highest pay, often driven by demanding productivity expectations and specialized skills. The disparity between higher and lower salaries is influenced by licensing certifications, such as the board-certified hand therapist (CHT) credential, and performance metrics tied to reimbursement changes, particularly in Medicare. For those looking to maximize their pay in Murrieta, pursuing additional certifications, negotiating contracts effectively, and staying informed on local market trends can be advantageous.
More salary data for Murrieta, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Murrieta, CA in 2026?
Is Murrieta, CA a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Murrieta?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Murrieta?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Murrieta?
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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 $122,525 for occupational therapistsin the Murrieta 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 Murrieta 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