Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Daly City, CA: $62.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Daly City, CA runs $62.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $129,873 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Daly City's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $55.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,930 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Daly City, California, the projected occupational therapist hourly pay for 2026 stands at $62.44, significantly higher than the national median of $49.71. For occupational therapists working part-time—such as those in hospital rehab units or skilled nursing facilities—this translates to an attractive wage, allowing them to maintain a sustainable lifestyle while working only three days a week. Per-diem roles within settings like outpatient therapy clinics and school therapy rooms typically follow a similar pay structure. The hourly rate spectrum in Daly City ranges from $42.85 for entry-level positions to as much as $81.16 for highly experienced professionals. This wage projection reflects insights derived from estimated annual salary data, underscoring the financial viability of pursuing an occupational therapy career in this locale.
About the Daly City 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) | $42.85 | $342.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.89 | $399.13 |
| Median (P50) | $62.44 | $499.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72.06 | $576.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81.16 | $649.28 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Daly City
Based on $62.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.44/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Daly City, CA can expect to earn approximately $129,884 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,933. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Daly City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Daly City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,497.76 | $10,824 | $129,884 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,498.66 | $6,494 | $77,930 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $999.10 | $4,329 | $51,953 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Daly City) | $62.44 |
| 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 Daly City, CA earn a median of $129,873 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.60% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 2.60% above the California state average of $126,582.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.44/hr = $77,930/year (purchasing power: $68,904).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $129,884/year (purchasing power: $114,840).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$51.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.59/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Daly City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51.30/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $52.11/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $51.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.27/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $61.95/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.59/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.35/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Daly City grew 18.1% from $51.30/hr (2019) to $60.59/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.35/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 Daly City 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 Daly City
Considering part-time opportunities, an occupational therapist working a 24-hour week in Daly City could earn a substantial annual income, surpassing full-time earnings for some in lower-paying roles. The nature of per-diem occupational therapist pay in Daly City varies widely; rates can fluctuate between $50 to $75 per hour, with certified hand therapists often charging even higher, ranging from $80 to $110 in cash-pay settings. Furthermore, those engaged in travel contracts may see weekly earnings between $1,800 and $2,800. The compensation landscape also shifts based on the type of employer; skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies typically offer different rates than schools or outpatient clinics. Occupational therapists sometimes choose lower hourly rates for roles that offer benefits like health insurance, while others may prioritize higher pay without these perks. Negotiating effectively in this market can lead to improved outcomes; thus, therapists should be informed about local pay standards and be prepared to advocate for fair compensation.
More salary data for Daly City, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Daly City in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Daly City?
Are occupational therapists in Daly City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Daly City?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Daly City?
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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 Daly City. 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 Daly City 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