Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Folsom, CA: $61.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Folsom, CA runs $61.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $127,392 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Folsom's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $54.15 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $76,438 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Folsom, California, the hourly pay for occupational therapists is projected to be $61.25 in 2026, which is significantly higher than the national median hourly rate of $49.71. This competitive pay scale makes it an attractive option for both part-time and per-diem occupational therapists who typically work in environments such as hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, or school settings. For therapists working part-time—approximately three days a week—this hourly rate can translate into a substantial income even with fewer weekly hours. Entry-level occupational therapists may earn around $41.95/hour, while top earners in Folsom could see rates as high as $79.12/hour, allowing for a wide range of opportunities depending on experience and specialization.
About the Folsom 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) | $41.95 | $335.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.74 | $389.90 |
| Median (P50) | $61.25 | $489.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70.64 | $565.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79.12 | $632.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Folsom
Based on $61.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.25/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Folsom, CA can expect to earn approximately $127,397 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,498. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Folsom.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Folsom
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,449.94 | $10,616 | $127,397 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,469.97 | $6,370 | $76,438 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $979.98 | $4,247 | $50,959 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Folsom) | $61.25 |
| 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 Folsom, CA earn a median of $127,392 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.20% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 0.70% above the California state average of $126,507.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.25/hr = $76,438/year (purchasing power: $67,585).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $127,397/year (purchasing power: $112,641).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$50.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.43/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.25/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Folsom (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $51.11/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $50.69/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $55.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $57.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $60.16/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.43/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Folsom grew 18.1% from $50.32/hr (2019) to $59.43/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.12/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 Folsom 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 Folsom
While part-time occupational therapists in Folsom can expect to take home around $78,000 annually based on a 24-hour workweek, full-time counterparts might earn considerably more, reflecting the benefits of traditional employment. Per-diem occupational therapists generally see compensation rates between $50-$75/hour, while those holding a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential can command up to $110/hour in cash-pay environments. Variations in hourly rates may arise depending on the type of employer; skilled nursing facilities, hospital settings, and home health agencies may offer differing compensation packages, influencing decisions for both full-time and per-diem positions. Many therapists might opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for comprehensive health benefits, a decision weighing job security against potential flexible work arrangements. Negotiating terms effectively can be crucial for those seeking optimum pay in Folsom’s dynamic occupational therapy job market.
More salary data for Folsom, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Folsom in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Folsom?
Are occupational therapists in Folsom paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Folsom?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Folsom?
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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 Folsom. 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 Folsom 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