Occupational Therapists Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Occupational Therapists in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA make a median of $134,720 a year, or about $64.77 an hour. The range runs from $86K at the entry level to $179K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 110.42), so that salary is closer to $122,007 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $3,483/month — about 43.8% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $135K get you in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
About occupational therapists
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Entry-level occupational therapists (10th percentile) start around $86K. Mid-career wages sit at $135K.Top earners bring in $179K or more - a $93K spread from bottom to top.
Occupational Therapists pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $119K | +21% | 12,020 |
| Oregon | $107K | +9% | 1,420 |
| Nevada | $105K | +7% | 1,090 |
| Oklahoma | $104K | +5% | 1,230 |
| New Jersey | $103K | +5% | 4,830 |
| Washington | $102K | +4% | 3,410 |
| Arizona | $102K | +4% | 2,390 |
| Connecticut | $102K | +4% | 3,000 |
| Maryland | $102K | +4% | 2,650 |
| Texas | $102K | +3% | 11,700 |
| Virginia | $101K | +2% | 3,670 |
| Alaska | $100K | +2% | 340 |
| Arkansas | $99K | +1% | 1,740 |
| District of Columbia | $99K | +1% | 530 |
| New Mexico | $99K | +1% | 860 |
Track occupational therapists salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do occupational therapists make in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA?
The median is $134,720 a year - that works out to about $64.77 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $85,750, and experienced occupational therapists can clear $178,900. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $135K enough to live in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $7,847/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $3,483/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 44.4% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a occupational therapists salary go in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara has a Regional Price Parity of 110.42 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median occupational therapists salary is worth about $122,007 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do occupational therapists get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.