Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Anaheim, CA: $61.55 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Anaheim, CA runs $61.55 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $128,013 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Anaheim's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $54.42 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $76,811 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Anaheim, California, the projected occupational therapist hourly pay for 2026 is $61.55, significantly surpassing the national hourly median of $49.71. This attractive rate opens up various opportunities for both part-time and per-diem professionals working in settings like hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, school therapy rooms, and outpatient clinics. For occupational therapists working three days a week, focusing on a typical 24-hour work schedule, their earnings can be substantial while allowing flexibility. The hourly pay range for entry-level professionals starts at $41.36, while experienced therapists can earn up to $84.71 per hour. These findings reflect estimates based on annual salary data, demonstrating that the profession is competitively positioned within the broader healthcare landscape in Anaheim.
About the Anaheim Market
Salary estimated from California average ($111,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41.36 | $330.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.59 | $388.74 |
| Median (P50) | $61.55 | $492.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73.60 | $588.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84.71 | $677.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Anaheim
Based on $61.55/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.55/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Anaheim, CA can expect to earn approximately $128,019 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,857. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Anaheim.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Anaheim
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,461.90 | $10,668 | $128,019 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,477.14 | $6,401 | $76,811 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $984.76 | $4,267 | $51,207 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Anaheim) | $61.55 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $33.15 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist (National Avg) | $43.80 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapists in Anaheim, CA earn a median of $128,013 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.80% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 1.20% above the California state average of $126,495.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.55/hr = $76,811/year (purchasing power: $67,914).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $128,019/year (purchasing power: $113,191).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$50.57/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.55/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Anaheim (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50.57/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $51.36/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $50.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $55.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $57.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $64.50/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.55/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Anaheim grew 18.1% from $50.57/hr (2019) to $59.72/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.43/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Anaheim metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.06% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapist in Anaheim
When considering part-time employment, an occupational therapist working 24 hours a week could take home an annual income around $76,413, highlighting a marked difference compared to their full-time counterparts. Per diem occupational therapist pay in Anaheim can vary widely; for instance, many professionals bill between $50-$75 per hour, while those with the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential can command anywhere from $80-$110 per hour in cash-pay practices. The discrepancies in hourly rates arise from differing employer types, such as skilled nursing facilities versus outpatient therapy clinics. Therapists often face a trade-off between higher hourly wages without benefits and lower rates that include health insurance. To negotiate effectively, therapists are encouraged to emphasize specialized skills and relevant credentials when discussing pay, particularly in a competitive market like Anaheim, where demand for occupational therapy services continues to grow.
More salary data for Anaheim, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Anaheim in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Anaheim?
Are occupational therapists in Anaheim paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Anaheim?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Anaheim?
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Written by Jordan Miller, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in occupational therapy. They specialize in pediatrics and work in a rehabilitation clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapists in Anaheim. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Anaheim is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.06%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapists (SOC 29-1122).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov