Entertainment, tech, aerospace — sprawling and high-paying. Here's how Occupational Therapists in Los Angeles get paid in 2026.
How pay scales with career stage in the Los Angeles metro market.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $98,200 | $74,600 | $127,600 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $122,000 | $92,800 | $158,600 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $140,300 | $106,700 | $182,400 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $168,300 | $128,000 | $218,800 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $190,800 | $145,100 | $248,000 |
Highest-paying metros for Occupational Therapists — useful if you're weighing a relocation.
Top occupations by median pay across the Los Angeles metro economy.
The average Occupational Therapist salary in the Los Angeles metro is $140,300 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $106,700 to $182,400 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $231,600 or more.
Yes — Los Angeles pays -2% relative to the California state median for Occupational Therapists. Major metros typically concentrate higher-paying employers and command a wage premium over rural and small-city areas in the same state.
Los Angeles vs. national: +33%. That puts Los Angeles among the stronger US markets for Occupational Therapists — though cost of living in Los Angeles is also typically elevated.
In Los Angeles, the median Occupational Therapist salary of $140,300 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level Occupational Therapists in Los Angeles start around $98,200, while seniors (10+ years) reach $168,300 or more.
Metro medians are useful benchmarks — but your exact number depends on your experience, education, and the specific employer. Run the free calculator for a personalized read.
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