Occupational Therapist Salary in Norwalk, CA: $125,610 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Norwalk, CA earns a median $125,610/year (≈ $60.39/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Norwalk's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $111,061 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, occupational therapists in Norwalk, California, can expect a median annual salary of $125,610, a figure significantly higher than the national median of $103,400. The local salary range varies considerably, with entry-level positions starting around $89,861 and reaching up to $167,198 for experienced therapists. This range reflects the differing environments in which occupational therapists operate, which may include hospitals, schools, and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). Depending on whether therapists choose to work year-round or during the school year, their earnings potential might differ, highlighting the need for flexibility in this career path within Norwalk’s healthcare landscape.
About the Norwalk Market
Salary estimated from California average ($111,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $89,861 | $43.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $100,138 | $48.14 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $125,610 | $60.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $147,599 | $70.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $167,198 | $80.39 |
Median Salary Position
21.48% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Norwalk
In Norwalk, CA, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $77,337 (2026 est.). At $125,610, the local median is 21.48% above the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Norwalk: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Norwalk Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Norwalk median: $125,610/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Norwalk Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $126,495 | -0.70% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | +21.48% more |
Occupational Therapists in Norwalk, CA earn a median of $125,610 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.48% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 0.70% below the California state average of $126,495.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Norwalk has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Norwalk, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $125,610 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $111,061 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$103,197
2025 BLS Actual
$121,880
2026 Current Est.
$125,610
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Norwalk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $103,197 | Actual |
| 2020 | $104,812 | Actual |
| 2021 | $103,950 | Actual |
| 2022 | $113,194 | Actual |
| 2023 | $117,069 | Actual |
| 2024 | $124,621 | Actual |
| 2025 | $121,880 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $125,610 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $129,453 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Norwalk metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $103,197 (2019) to $121,880 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $129,453 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,256 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Norwalk 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) | $89,861 – $100,138 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $100,138 – $125,610 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $125,610 – $147,599 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $147,599 – $167,198 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Norwalk
Presently, there are 22 occupational therapists employed in the area, exposing the competitive nature of the job market. The cost of living index for Norwalk stands at 113.1, indicating that residents experience higher living expenses than the national average, which can impact take-home pay. In terms of compensation, skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation typically offer the highest salaries, while settings like schools may provide less lucrative contracts. The variation in pay can be attributed to factors such as workplace setting, board certifications (like CHT), and productivity expectations. To maximize earnings, occupational therapists in Norwalk might consider gaining specialized credentials, seeking full-time positions in higher-paying settings, and taking advantage of opportunities within hospitals that pay a premium for certain skills or certifications, ensuring they enhance their overall professional value in a competitive market.
More salary data for Norwalk, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Norwalk, CA in 2026?
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Can occupational therapists make $100K in Norwalk?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Norwalk?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Norwalk?
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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 $121,880 for occupational therapistsin the Norwalk 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 Norwalk 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