Occupational Therapist salary in California
A strong career option in California — with programs that take 2 to 6 years to complete.
Median pay · May 2025
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
$124,510/ yr
$10,376 / mo · $59.86 / hr
↑ $24,180 above the national median ($100,330)
Pay by experience
Entry
$85,550
Median
$124,510
Experienced
$158,558
Demand
High
Program length
2 to 6 years
Projected growth
+13.8%
Annual openings
10,200
Market trajectory
BLS national wage benchmarks
How California compares to the national wage trend
California median
$124,510
2025 national
$100,330
2024 national
$98,340
↑ +2.0% change in national average wages for this field over the last year.
Job demand & outlook
+13.8% projected growth through 2034
10,200 average annual openings nationwide for Occupational Therapists.
Source: BLS Employment Projections
Where this career can take you
A clear progression path, with real salary growth at each step
- State Certificate$50,559
- Professional Certification / Diploma$53,771
- Professional Certification / Bootcamp$88,192
- Associate Degree$80,408
Is this career change worth it?
A simple look at what it costs vs what you gain
What it typically costs
- Average training cost$18,966
- Time to complete2 to 6 years
- Credential earnedProfessional Certification / Diploma
What you get back
- Starting salary$85,550
- Median salary$124,510
- Experienced salary$158,558
At an entry wage of $85,550, most Occupational Therapists break even on the $18,966 training investment in about 3 months of work.
How to become an Occupational Therapist in California
A clear path from where you are to where you want to be
Find an Occupational Therapist program in California
Browse certified training programs. Most Occupational Therapist tracks complete in 2 to 6 years and average $18,966 in tuition.
Earn your Professional Certification / Diploma
Complete coursework, finish required clinical or lab hours, and pass the exam required for a Professional Certification / Diploma in California.
Get hired in California
With roughly 10,200 Occupational Therapist openings each year nationwide, graduates often find employment within 30–90 days in California.
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Frequently asked questions
The median salary for an Occupational Therapist in California is $124,510 per year, which is $59.86 per hour. Entry level positions typically start around $85,550 while experienced Occupational Therapists can earn up to $158,558 annually.
Next step
Find Occupational Therapist Classes Near You
Enter your ZIP code to see accredited Occupational Therapist classes in your area.