Occupational Therapists Salary in Santa Cruz, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA

Median annual salary $133,850 +36.1% vs national
Median hourly $64.35
10th percentile $99,690
90th percentile $151,730
Employed locally 80
National median $98,340

Compare Occupational Therapists salary & buying power

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Occupational Therapists
in
Santa Cruz, CA
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $99,690
    25th
    $107,660
    50th (median)
    $133,850
    75th
    $151,730
    90th
    $151,730

    Santa Cruz economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.90% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $109,266 2023 • Census ACS
    Occupational Therapists salary vs area income 122% Median Occupational Therapists salary is 22% above the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Occupational Therapists

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $134,720
    Vallejo, CA $129,830
    Chico, CA $128,980
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $128,960
    Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA $126,220
    Napa, CA $124,680

    Nearby metros — Occupational Therapists salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $134,720
    Vallejo, CA $129,830
    Chico, CA $128,980
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $128,960
    Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA $126,220
    Napa, CA $124,680

    Related occupations in Santa Cruz, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Registered Nurses $178,900
    Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $79,580
    Pharmacy Technicians $49,420
    Physicians, All Other $305,610
    Nurse Practitioners $159,090
    Dental Hygienists $127,120

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Occupational Therapists make per hour in Santa Cruz?

    The median hourly wage for Occupational Therapists in Santa Cruz, CA is $64.35, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $75.67 or more per hour.

    Is Santa Cruz above or below average for Occupational Therapists salaries?

    The median Occupational Therapists salary in Santa Cruz, CA is 36.1% above the national median of $98,340. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Occupational Therapists in Santa Cruz?

    Entry-level Occupational Therapists (10th percentile) earn around $99,690 per year in Santa Cruz, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $107,660.