Average Occupational Therapists Salary in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Occupational Therapists in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area earn an impressive average annual salary of $114,430, significantly exceeding the national average of $99,240. This higher compensation is often driven by the region's robust healthcare sector and the specialized demand for skilled therapists within a major metropolitan hub. The dynamic economic landscape of Southern California supports this elevated pay scale for essential healthcare professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $114,430 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $149,860.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 4,500 Occupational Therapists, the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim area demonstrates a substantial presence in this vital profession. The Location Quotient of 0.73 suggests that while the concentration is slightly below the national average, the sheer volume of jobs and the overall size of the metropolitan area indicate a stable and significant demand for these services. This robust workforce size points to a healthy job market with ongoing opportunities.
Salary Overview
The average Occupational Therapists in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA earns+15.3%above the national average.
$55
$2,201
$9,536
Occupational Therapists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Occupational Therapists in a major market like Los Angeles have seen consistent growth over the past four years. Factors such as increasing healthcare needs, advancements in therapeutic techniques, and general inflation likely contribute to an upward trend in compensation, reflecting the evolving value of these professionals in the healthcare ecosystem.
Occupational Therapists Salary Distribution in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Career progression for Occupational Therapists in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim typically correlates with increased earning potential. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies a clear path for career advancement and salary growth within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $78,730 | $37.9 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $85,823 | $41.3 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $115,380 | $55.5 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $143,038 | $68.8 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $149,860 | $72 |
Detailed Occupational Therapists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$114,430
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$114,430
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $114,430 for Occupational Therapists in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the higher nominal salary effectively translates to purchasing power that is on par with the national average. While the salary is higher than the national average, the cost of living in this major metropolitan area does not diminish its real value.
Job Market Context
4,500
Total Jobs
0.725
Per 1K Jobs
0.73
Location Quotient
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA has 0.73x the national average concentration of Occupational Therapists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.73 indicates that Occupational Therapists are slightly less concentrated in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim area compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is well-established, there might be slightly less competition relative to the number of available positions when compared to hyper-concentrated national areas. The market is neither oversaturated nor exceptionally scarce, presenting a balanced environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Occupational Therapists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA Occupational Therapists Salary | $113,770↓ 1% | 49 mi |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA Occupational Therapists Salary | $114,850↑ 0% | 55 mi |
Comparing salaries near Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Hiring Occupational Therapistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Occupational Therapists make in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA?
The median annual salary for a Occupational Therapists in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is $114,430. This typically ranges from $78,730 for entry-level positions to $149,860 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is 15.3% higher than the national median of $99,240.
Is Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA a lucrative place for Occupational Therapists?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Occupational Therapists.The average salary of $114,430 significantly surpasses the national average, and with a Cost of Living Index of 100, the purchasing power of this salary is strong within the region.
Is Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA a good place to live for Occupational Therapists?
The Cost of Living Index in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($113,770) and Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA.
How does the Los Angeles salary compare to the national average?
Occupational Therapists in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim earn an average of $114,430 annually, which is $15,190 more than the national average of $99,240.
What is the concentration of Occupational Therapists in Los Angeles?
The Location Quotient for Occupational Therapists in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim is 0.73, indicating a slightly lower concentration than the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the Los Angeles salary for OTs?
The Cost of Living Index in Los Angeles is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the higher nominal salary of $114,430 offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
How many Occupational Therapists are employed in the Los Angeles area?
There are approximately 4,500 Occupational Therapists employed in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,500 employees in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area with a job density of 0.725 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Occupational Therapists Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
- All Occupations Salary in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
- Management Occupations Salary in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
- Home Health and Personal Care Aides Salary in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
- Browse All Jobs in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Occupational Therapists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA