Home / City Job Salaries / Occupational Therapist in Chico

Occupational Therapist Salary in Chico, CA

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

Median Salary
$129,462
per year in Chico
Entry Level
$86,308
Starting salary
Senior Level
$175,493
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
115
15% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$86,308$129,462$175,493
Monthly$7,192$10,789$14,624
Biweekly$3,320$4,979$6,750
Weekly$1,660$2,490$3,375
Hourly$41$62$84

Chico vs National Average

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

Chico Salary
$129,462
COL Index: 115
National Average
$87,950
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$41,512
Higher in Chico

Cost of Living in Chico

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,700
per month
Median Income
$51,234
per year
Population
92,155
residents
Rent % of Income
39.8%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 115 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Chico 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
-21%
Los Angeles, CA
$115,380
-11%
Chicago, IL
$100,940
-22%
Houston, TX
$101,050
-22%
Phoenix, AZ
$103,090
-20%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a occupational therapist salary in Chico.

Salary Breakdown Calculator

See exactly how your salary breaks down into taxes and take-home pay.

Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Chico.

Budget Calculator

Create a personalized budget based on your income and expenses.

Rent vs Buy Calculator

Compare the true costs of renting versus buying in Chico.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Chico, CA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a occupational therapist in Chico, CA is $129,462 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 115. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Chico's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level occupational therapist professionals in Chico can expect to earn around $86,308 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level occupational therapists earning approximately $175,493 per year. This represents a 103% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Chico's cost of living index of 115 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Chico 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 Chico typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,700 per month, housing represents about 15.8% 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 Chico, 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.