Occupational Therapist Salary in San Diego, CA
Occupational Therapist salary data for San Diego, CA — adjusted for local cost of living. Entry-level to senior pay ranges, take-home pay calculator, and local job market insights.
Occupational Therapist Salary in San Diego, CA — 2026
The median Occupational Therapist salary in San Diego, CA is $139,200 per year ($11,600/month, $67/hr). This reflects the local cost of living index of 160, which is 60% above the national average.
Occupational Therapist Take-Home Pay in San Diego
Tax Breakdown (Median Salary)
| Gross Annual | $139,200 |
| Federal Tax | -$22,655 |
| State Tax (9.3%) | -$12,946 |
| FICA (SS + Medicare) | -$10,649 |
| Annual Take-Home | $92,951 |
| Monthly Take-Home | $7,746 |
Living Cost Comparison
Occupational Therapist Requirements
Key Skills
San Diego Job Market Overview
San Diego, California has a population of 1,386,932 and an unemployment rate of 3.8%. The top industries are Military, Biotech, Tourism. The local job growth rate is 2.2%, and the average commute time is 25 minutes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Occupational Therapist salary in San Diego, CA?
How much does a Occupational Therapist take home in San Diego after taxes?
Is San Diego a good city for Occupational Therapists?
What skills are needed for a Occupational Therapist in San Diego?
How does Occupational Therapist salary in San Diego compare to the national average?
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Occupational Therapist salary in San Diego, CA?
The median Occupational Therapist salary in San Diego, CA is $139,200 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 160. Entry-level Occupational Therapists earn around $110,400, while senior-level professionals can earn $176,000 or more.
How much does a Occupational Therapist take home in San Diego after taxes?
A Occupational Therapist earning the median salary of $139,200 in San Diego, CA takes home approximately $92,951 per year ($7,746/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 33.2%.
Is San Diego a good city for Occupational Therapists?
San Diego, CA has a cost of living index of 160 (above national average). Occupational Therapists here earn above the city median. The local unemployment rate is 3.8% and top industries include Military, Biotech, Tourism.
What skills are needed for a Occupational Therapist in San Diego?
Key skills for Occupational Therapists include Activity Analysis, Adaptive Equipment, Cognitive Rehabilitation, Sensory Integration, Documentation. Typical education requirement is Master's Degree. Valuable certifications include NBCOT Certification, State Licensure.
How does Occupational Therapist salary in San Diego compare to the national average?
The national median Occupational Therapist salary is $87,000. In San Diego, the adjusted salary is $139,200, which is 60.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.