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Occupational Therapist Salary in Brea, CA

How much does a occupational therapist make in Brea? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Brea's cost of living.

Median Salary
$157,606
per year in Brea
Entry Level
$105,070
Starting salary
Senior Level
$213,644
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
140
40% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how occupational therapist salaries break down across different pay periods in Brea.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$105,070$157,606$213,644
Monthly$8,756$13,134$17,804
Biweekly$4,041$6,062$8,217
Weekly$2,021$3,031$4,109
Hourly$51$76$103

Brea vs National Average

How Brea's occupational therapist salaries compare to national figures.

Brea Salary
$157,606
COL Index: 140
National Average
$87,950
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$69,656
Higher in Brea

Cost of Living in Brea

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,850
per month
Median Income
$82,234
per year
Population
48,210
residents
Rent % of Income
27.0%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 140 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Brea have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Occupational Therapist

Overview

Help patients develop and maintain skills for daily living and work.

Education

Master's degree in Occupational Therapy; licensure required

Key Skills

Therapeutic TechniquesPatient AssessmentTreatment PlanningRehabilitation

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +17% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Occupational Therapist Salary

See Occupational Therapist salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$102,750
-35%
Los Angeles, CA
$115,380
-27%
Chicago, IL
$100,940
-36%
Houston, TX
$101,050
-36%
Phoenix, AZ
$103,090
-35%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Occupational Therapist Salary in Brea, CA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a occupational therapist in Brea, CA is $157,606 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 140. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Brea's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level occupational therapist professionals in Brea can expect to earn around $105,070 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level occupational therapists earning approximately $213,644 per year. This represents a 103% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Brea's cost of living index of 140 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Brea are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $87,950, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a occupational therapist's salary in Brea typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,850 per month, housing represents about 14.1% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Occupational Therapists are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 17% over the next decade. In Brea, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.