Occupational Therapist Salary in Vallejo, CA: $139,131 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Vallejo, CA earns a median $139,131/year (≈ $66.89/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Vallejo's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $128,256 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 10.0% above the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the occupational therapist salary in Vallejo is projected to reach a median annual figure of $139,131, significantly above the national median of $103,400. This compensation reflects a competitive local job market, especially in light of Medicare cuts that have impacted earnings for skilled nursing facilities (SNF) and outpatient settings since 2022. Occupational therapists in Vallejo can expect salaries ranging from $87,457 at the 10th percentile to $166,411 at the 90th percentile. These numbers are derived from data based on 2025 BLS OEWS surveys, indicating a strong demand for skilled professionals in the region amid economic fluctuations and changing healthcare policies. With 100 occupational therapists currently employed in Vallejo, prospects for both entry-level and experienced clinicians remain robust.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,457 | $42.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $117,695 | $56.59 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $139,131 | $66.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $146,252 | $70.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $166,411 | $80.01 |
Median Salary Position
34.56% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Vallejo
In Vallejo, CA, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $78,954 (2026 est.). At $139,131, the local median is 34.56% above the national median of $103,400.
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At 40 hours/week in Vallejo: You'd be above the median
How Vallejo Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Vallejo median: $139,131/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Vallejo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $126,483 | +10.00% more |
| National Average | $103,400 | +34.56% more |
Occupational Therapists in Vallejo, CA earn a median of $139,131 per year (2026 est.), which is 34.56% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 10.00% above the California state average of $126,483.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Vallejo has a cost of living 8.48% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Vallejo, CA has a cost-of-living index of 108.479 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $139,131 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $128,256 — a 7.82% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$109,960
2025 BLS Actual
$135,000
2026 Current Est.
$139,131
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Vallejo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $109,960 | Actual |
| 2020 | $115,290 | Actual |
| 2021 | $102,870 | Actual |
| 2022 | $106,070 | Actual |
| 2023 | $112,410 | Actual |
| 2024 | $129,830 | Actual |
| 2025 | $135,000 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $139,131 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $143,388 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Vallejo metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 22.8% from $109,960 (2019) to $135,000 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $143,388 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,428 (30.40%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Vallejo 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) | $87,457 – $117,695 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $117,695 – $139,131 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $139,131 – $146,252 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $146,252 – $166,411 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Vallejo
The local job market presents a unique balance between supply and demand, with 100 occupational therapists currently working in the area. However, the cost of living index in Vallejo stands at 108.479, higher than the national average, suggesting that take-home purchasing power could be impacted, despite competitive salaries. Employment settings such as hospital inpatient rehab and outpatient hand therapy clinics typically offer the highest pay, while school district contracts and early intervention programs may present more modest salaries. The disparities in earnings often hinge on factors such as whether the position involves school-year or year-round contracts, the presence of board certification stipends like the CHT credential, and productivity expectations post-Medicare cuts. To maximize occupational therapist pay in Vallejo CA, clinicians should consider obtaining specialized certifications and exploring opportunities in higher-paying facilities while also being aware of the seasonal fluctuations that can affect workload and income.
More salary data for Vallejo, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Vallejo, CA in 2026?
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Can occupational therapists make $100K in Vallejo?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Vallejo?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Vallejo?
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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 $135,000 for occupational therapistsin the Vallejo 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, 7-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