Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Berkeley, CA: $61.06 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Berkeley, CA runs $61.06 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $127,010 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Berkeley's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $53.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $76,207 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Berkeley, California, the hourly pay for occupational therapists stands at an impressive $61.06, significantly above the national median of $49.71. This higher hourly rate is reflective of the city's costs and demand for skilled practitioners, making it financially appealing for part-time workers and those in per-diem roles. For instance, an occupational therapist working three days a week might earn approximately $45,000 annually, providing a stable income for those balancing other commitments or pursuing advanced credentials such as the CHT specialty. The hourly pay range for occupational therapists in Berkeley spans from $44.55 at the entry level to $78.85 for top earners, illustrating the diverse opportunities present in various settings, including hospital rehab units, school-based therapy, and home health evaluations. These figures, derived from annual salary estimates, reveal a robust landscape for occupational therapist hourly pay in Berkeley.
About the Berkeley 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) | $44.55 | $356.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.80 | $406.39 |
| Median (P50) | $61.06 | $488.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70.16 | $561.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78.85 | $630.81 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Berkeley
Based on $61.06/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.06/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Berkeley, CA can expect to earn approximately $127,011 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,276. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Berkeley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Berkeley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,442.52 | $10,584 | $127,011 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,465.51 | $6,351 | $76,207 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $977.01 | $4,234 | $50,804 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Berkeley) | $61.06 |
| 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 Berkeley, CA earn a median of $127,010 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.83% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 0.40% above the California state average of $126,504.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.06/hr = $76,207/year (purchasing power: $67,380).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $127,011/year (purchasing power: $112,300).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$50.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.25/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.06/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Berkeley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $50.95/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $50.53/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $55.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $56.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $60.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.25/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.06/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62.93/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Berkeley grew 18.1% from $50.17/hr (2019) to $59.25/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $62.93/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 Berkeley 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 Berkeley
Part-time employment as an occupational therapist presents an intriguing earning scenario, particularly for those opting for a three-day workweek. An OT working 24 hours weekly captures a steady income, yet their earnings pale in comparison to a full-time employee. On one hand, per-diem or agency roles offer the allure of higher hourly rates, with many billing between $50 and $75; however, certified hand therapists can command even higher figures, ranging from $80 to $110 in cash-pay environments. Travel contracts, too, present lucrative options, with weekly pay ranging from $1,800 to $2,800. Hourly rates fluctuate significantly depending on the type of employer, whether it’s skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, or school districts, each offering varying benefits. For many occupational therapists, the choice between higher hourly wages without insurance and lower rates that include health benefits is a common trade-off. When negotiating pay, those in Berkeley should highlight their specific skills, like CHT credentials, to secure the best possible compensation while balancing the circumstances of their employment type.
More salary data for Berkeley, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Berkeley in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Berkeley?
Are occupational therapists in Berkeley paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Berkeley?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Berkeley?
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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 Berkeley. 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 Berkeley 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