Average Occupational Therapists Salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
Occupational Therapists in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA area earn a substantial average annual salary of $130,120, significantly outpacing the national average of $99,240. This elevated compensation is largely driven by the region's high demand for specialized healthcare professionals and the overall economic vitality that supports competitive wage structures.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $130,120 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $161,300.
- Outlook: The San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont metropolitan area supports a dedicated workforce of 1,510 Occupational Therapists. With a Location Quotient of 0.63, the concentration of these professionals is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not oversaturated market. The presence of 0.626 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent need for skilled Occupational Therapists within this robust economic hub.
Salary Overview
The average Occupational Therapists in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA earns+31.1%above the national average.
$62.6
$2,502
$10,843
Occupational Therapists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise region and role isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Occupational Therapists in a high-cost, high-demand area like San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont have experienced steady growth over the past four years. Economic factors and increasing healthcare needs typically drive upward salary trends for specialized roles in major metropolitan areas.
Occupational Therapists Salary Distribution in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
Salary progression for Occupational Therapists in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA, typically correlates with experience. Entry-level practitioners can expect to earn at the lower end of the spectrum, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience command significantly higher salaries. The widening gap between entry-level and senior-level pay reflects the career advancement and increased earning potential available within the profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $103,130 | $49.6 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $97,590 | $46.9 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $128,960 | $62 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $162,650 | $78.2 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $161,300 | $77.5 |
Detailed Occupational Therapists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$130,120
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$130,120
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $130,120 in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA, is directly offset by the local Cost of Living Index, which stands at 100, mirroring the national average. This means that while the gross income is considerably higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is comparable to the national standard, considering local expenses.
Job Market Context
1,510
Total Jobs
0.626
Per 1K Jobs
0.63
Location Quotient
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA has 0.63x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.63 for Occupational Therapists in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA, indicates that the profession is less concentrated here compared to the national average. This suggests that while there is a solid presence of these professionals, the job market may offer ample opportunities for qualified individuals without intense competition from a disproportionately large pool of local therapists.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Occupational Therapists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Vallejo, CA Occupational Therapists Salary | $125,730↓ 3% | 27 mi |
| Napa, CA Occupational Therapists Salary | $118,100↓ 9% | 38 mi |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Occupational Therapists Salary | $137,950↑ 6% | 42 mi |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA Occupational Therapists Salary | $127,100↓ 2% | 50 mi |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA Occupational Therapists Salary | $127,820↓ 2% | 58 mi |
Comparing salaries near San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
Hiring Occupational Therapistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Occupational Therapists make in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA?
The median annual salary for a Occupational Therapists in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is $130,120. This typically ranges from $103,130 for entry-level positions to $161,300 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is 31.1% higher than the national median of $99,240.
Is San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA a lucrative place for Occupational Therapists?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Occupational Therapists.The average annual salary of $130,120 significantly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating strong earning potential.
Is San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA a good place to live for Occupational Therapists?
The Cost of Living Index in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Vallejo, CA ($125,730) and Napa, CA.
How does the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont salary compare to the national average?
Occupational Therapists in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont earn an average of $130,120 annually, which is approximately 31% higher than the national average of $99,240.
What is the concentration of Occupational Therapists in this area?
The Location Quotient is 0.63, meaning the concentration of Occupational Therapists in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont is 37% lower than the national average.
How many Occupational Therapists are employed in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont area?
There are approximately 1,510 Occupational Therapists employed in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont metropolitan area.
Does the high salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont reflect a high cost of living?
The average salary is high, but the Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This suggests that the higher nominal salary provides purchasing power comparable to the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,510 employees in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA area with a job density of 0.626 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 San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
- All Occupations Salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
- Management Occupations Salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
- Computer and Mathematical Occupations Salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
- Browse All Jobs in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Occupational Therapists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA