Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Burbank, CA: $60.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Burbank, CA runs $60.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $124,976 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Burbank's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $53.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $74,985 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burbank, California, the occupational therapist hourly pay is projected to average $60.08 in 2026, which notably exceeds the national median of $49.71. This competitive hourly rate allows for flexible work arrangements, making positions appealing for both part-time and per-diem occupational therapists. Professionals working three days a week could earn substantial income while balancing other commitments, particularly in varied settings, including hospital rehabilitation units and school therapy rooms. The hourly wages range from $40.62 for entry-level practitioners to $79.53 for top-earning specialists like certified hand therapists (CHTs), a credential that commands a premium in the field.
About the Burbank 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) | $40.62 | $324.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.54 | $380.33 |
| Median (P50) | $60.08 | $480.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70.19 | $561.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79.53 | $636.25 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Burbank
Based on $60.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $60.08/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Burbank, CA can expect to earn approximately $124,975 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $72,101. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Burbank.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Burbank
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,403.36 | $10,415 | $124,975 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,442.02 | $6,249 | $74,985 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $961.34 | $4,166 | $49,990 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Burbank) | $60.08 |
| 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 Burbank, CA earn a median of $124,976 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.87% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 1.20% below the California state average of $126,494.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $60.08/hr = $74,985/year (purchasing power: $66,300).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $124,975/year (purchasing power: $110,499).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$49.36/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$60.08/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Burbank (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49.36/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $50.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $49.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $54.15/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $56.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $59.61/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Burbank grew 18.1% from $49.36/hr (2019) to $58.30/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $61.92/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 Burbank 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 Burbank
When considering part-time earning potential in Burbank, a three-day work week translates to approximately $74,240 annually for an occupational therapist, which still pales in comparison to full-time figures. Per diem occupational therapist pay ranges from $50 to $75 per hour, with seasoned CHTs potentially billing up to $110 in cash-pay practices. Moreover, travel OT contracts can command between $1,800 and $2,800 a week, appealing to those in search of mobility. Hourly pay varies significantly depending on employment settings—ranging from skilled nursing facilities to outpatient clinics—largely influenced by factors like insurance benefits and job security. OTs may forego higher hourly rates for positions that provide comprehensive health coverage. Negotiating terms specific to hourly work in Burbank can lead to favorable outcomes, especially considering the city's cost of living, making awareness of market trends essential.
More salary data for Burbank, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Burbank in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Burbank?
Are occupational therapists in Burbank paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Burbank?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Burbank?
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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 Burbank. 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 Burbank 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