Salary distribution
Where San Diego occupational therapists fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $101,160 and $130,570, with a median of $112,050.
Typical entry
Education
Master's degree
Experience
Internship/residency
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.7 / 5
Therapy and Counseling
Knowledge
- 4.5 / 5
Psychology
Knowledge
- 4.3 / 5
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge
- 4.2 / 5
Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Service Orientation
Technical
- 4.1 / 5
Active Listening
Basic skill
- 4.1 / 5
Monitoring
Cross-functional
- 4.1 / 5
Oral Expression
Ability
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Test and evaluate patients' physical and mental abilities and analyze medical data to determine realistic rehabilitation goals for patients.
- 02
Complete and maintain necessary records.
- 03
Plan, organize, and conduct occupational therapy programs in hospital, institutional, or community settings to help rehabilitate persons with disabilities because of illness, injury or psychological or developmental problems.
- 04
Plan and implement programs and social activities to help patients learn work or school skills and adjust to handicaps.
- 05
Evaluate patients' progress and prepare reports that detail progress.
- 06
Train caregivers in providing for the needs of a patient during and after therapy.
- 07
Select activities that will help individuals learn work and life-management skills within limits of their mental or physical capabilities.
- 08
Lay out materials such as puzzles, scissors and eating utensils for use in therapy, and clean and repair these tools after therapy sessions.
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Explore coursesOther metros in California
How the San Diego metro compares to other major California metro areas for occupational therapists.
- San Jose$134,720
- San Francisco$128,960
- Sacramento$123,900
- Los Angeles$115,380
- Riverside$109,010
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Occupational Therapists in San Diego, California?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Occupational Therapists in the San Diego metropolitan area is $112,050.
- Does San Diego pay more than the California state average for Occupational Therapists?
- The San Diego metro median is -6.2% versus the California state median of $119,470.
- How does San Diego compare to the national median for Occupational Therapists?
- The San Diego metro median is +14.0% versus the BLS national figure of $98,308.
- What is the salary range for Occupational Therapists in San Diego?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $85,060 and the 90th-percentile at $145,680 for the San Diego metro area.
- What education is required for Occupational Therapists?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Master's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the San Diego CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.