Occupational Therapist Salary in Santa Cruz, CA: $134,411 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Santa Cruz, CA earns a median $134,411/year (≈ $64.62/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Santa Cruz's price level (10% above national, BEA RPP 109.9), that paycheck buys what $122,307 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.2% above the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source
Occupational therapists in Santa Cruz, CA, can expect to see a median annual salary of $134,411 in 2026, reflecting a significant increase in compensation compared to the national median of $103,400. The salary range for this profession varies notably, with plan levels ranging from $100,896 at the 10th percentile to $162,206 at the 90th percentile, according to estimates based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026. This notable difference highlights the diverse settings and productivity standards faced by OTs in the area, particularly following adjustments to Medicare reimbursements after 2022 which have influenced pay scales in skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics. As Santa Cruz continues to navigate these challenges, job prospects remain encouraging, especially for those equipped with advanced certifications such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) designation.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $100,896 | $48.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $124,569 | $59.89 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $134,411 | $64.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $162,206 | $77.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $162,206 | $77.99 |
Median Salary Position
29.99% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Santa Cruz
In Santa Cruz, CA, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $61,310 (2026 est.). At $134,411, the local median is 29.99% above the national median of $103,400.
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At 40 hours/week in Santa Cruz: You'd be above the median
How Santa Cruz Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Santa Cruz median: $134,411/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Santa Cruz Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $126,564 | +6.20% more |
| National Average | $103,400 | +29.99% more |
Occupational Therapists in Santa Cruz, CA earn a median of $134,411 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.99% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 6.20% above the California state average of $126,564.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Santa Cruz has a cost of living 9.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Santa Cruz, CA has a cost-of-living index of 109.896 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $134,411 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $122,307 — a 9.01% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$110,427
2025 BLS Actual
$130,420
2026 Current Est.
$134,411
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Santa Cruz (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $110,427 | Actual |
| 2020 | $112,156 | Actual |
| 2021 | $103,190 | Actual |
| 2022 | $125,170 | Actual |
| 2023 | $118,400 | Actual |
| 2024 | $133,850 | Actual |
| 2025 | $130,420 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $134,411 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $138,524 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Santa Cruz metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $110,427 (2019) to $130,420 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $138,524 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,097 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Santa Cruz 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) | $100,896 – $124,569 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $124,569 – $134,411 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $134,411 – $162,206 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $162,206 – $162,206 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Santa Cruz
In Santa Cruz, approximately 100 occupational therapists are actively employed, contributing to a robust job market. However, these professionals must also contend with a cost of living index of 109.896, which exceeds the national average. This reality impacts take-home pay, emphasizing the importance of understanding local employer dynamics. Those conducting outpatient therapy may find the highest compensation from hospital inpatient rehabilitation facilities, while school district contracts typically offer lower wages compared to skilled nursing facilities. Factors such as work environment, productivity expectations, and the impact of Medicare cuts contribute to the variation in salaries. To maximize earning potential in this area, candidates should consider obtaining specialized certifications like CHT, stay informed about seasonal demand shifts, and seek employment in higher-paying settings to improve their occupational therapist pay in Santa Cruz, CA.
More salary data for Santa Cruz, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Santa Cruz, CA in 2026?
Is Santa Cruz, CA a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Santa Cruz?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Santa Cruz?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Santa Cruz?
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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 $130,420 for occupational therapistsin the Santa Cruz 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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