Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Fairfield, CA: $62.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Fairfield, CA runs $62.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $130,466 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Fairfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $55.46 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $78,277 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fairfield, CA, occupational therapists earn a median hourly rate of $62.72, significantly above the national median of $49.71. This higher pay reflects not only the demand for skilled professionals in this area but also the increased cost of living, which stands at a cost of living index of 113.1. For part-time occupational therapists working three days a week, the earnings can provide a substantial income when comparing various work settings, including hospital rehabilitation units and home health visits. With hourly rates ranging from $43.69 at the entry level to as high as $81.95 for the most experienced therapists, this profession shows a promising financial outlook for both new graduates and seasoned practitioners alike. The hourly rates mentioned are projected from annual salaries, emphasizing that these estimates align with the ongoing trends in the industry.
About the Fairfield 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) | $43.69 | $349.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.47 | $403.75 |
| Median (P50) | $62.72 | $501.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72.79 | $582.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81.95 | $655.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fairfield
Based on $62.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.72/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fairfield, CA can expect to earn approximately $130,462 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $75,267. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fairfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fairfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,508.89 | $10,872 | $130,462 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,505.34 | $6,523 | $78,277 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,003.56 | $4,349 | $52,185 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Fairfield) | $62.72 |
| 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 Fairfield, CA earn a median of $130,466 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.18% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 3.10% above the California state average of $126,543.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.72/hr = $78,277/year (purchasing power: $69,211).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $130,462/year (purchasing power: $115,351).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$51.53/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.72/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Fairfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51.53/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $52.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $51.91/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $62.23/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.64/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Fairfield grew 18.1% from $51.53/hr (2019) to $60.86/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.64/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 Fairfield 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 Fairfield
Looking into the earnings potential for part-time occupational therapists, those working just 24 hours a week could expect an annual income of approximately $78,368, which is competitive for part-time positions. When considering per-diem or agency roles, pay can significantly vary; per diem occupational therapists typically charge between $50 and $75 an hour, while specialized hand therapists with Certification in Hand Therapy (CHT) can command up to $110 per hour in cash-pay environments. Additionally, travel OT opportunities often range from $1,800 to $2,800 weekly. In Fairfield, the hourly compensation varies by employer type, with skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics generally offering different rates and benefits. This variation means that while some therapists may choose lower hourly rates for consistent health insurance and benefits, others may prefer higher hourly compensation without benefits. Negotiating for an hourly rate that reflects both skills and local market standards is crucial for those working in Fairfield's dynamic healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Fairfield, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Fairfield in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Fairfield?
Are occupational therapists in Fairfield paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Fairfield?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Fairfield?
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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 Fairfield. 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 Fairfield 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