Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Fullerton, CA: $62.50 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Fullerton, CA runs $62.50 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $129,985 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Fullerton's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $55.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,994 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fullerton, the occupational therapist hourly pay stands at a competitive $62.50, significantly above the national median of $49.71. For part-time workers, such as those operating three days a week, this translates into substantial earnings, making it an attractive option for individuals seeking flexible schedules in settings like hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. The hourly range for occupational therapists in the area spans from $42.98 for those at the entry level to $83.66 for top earners. These figures are derived from annual salary estimates, allowing for a clearer view of the financial landscape for professionals consistently serving diverse populations in Fullerton, CA.
About the Fullerton 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) | $42.98 | $343.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.00 | $400.04 |
| Median (P50) | $62.50 | $499.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73.57 | $588.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83.66 | $669.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fullerton
Based on $62.50/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.50/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fullerton, CA can expect to earn approximately $129,991 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,995. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fullerton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fullerton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,499.82 | $10,833 | $129,991 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,499.89 | $6,500 | $77,994 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $999.93 | $4,333 | $51,996 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Fullerton) | $62.50 |
| 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 Fullerton, CA earn a median of $129,985 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.71% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 2.70% above the California state average of $126,568.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.50/hr = $77,994/year (purchasing power: $68,961).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $129,991/year (purchasing power: $114,934).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$51.34/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.64/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.50/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Fullerton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51.34/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $52.15/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $51.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.25/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $62.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.64/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.50/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Fullerton grew 18.1% from $51.34/hr (2019) to $60.64/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.41/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 Fullerton 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 Fullerton
Examining the financial dynamics reveals a strong opportunity for part-time practitioners in Fullerton, where an occupational therapist working three days a week might expect to earn around $97,500 annually, a notable income compared to full-time salaries. Additionally, per diem occupational therapist pay in Fullerton varies, with many billing between $50 and $75 per hour, while certified hand therapists can see rates soar to $80-$110 in specific cash-pay practices. Beyond the flexibility of per diem contracts, which can range from $1,800 to $2,800 weekly for traveling roles, various employers like school districts and home health agencies present a mix of hourly pay structures. Negotiating for either higher pay or benefits becomes crucial; some professionals may accept slightly lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance and other perks, emphasizing the real-world choices occupational therapists face in balancing income against benefits. Understanding these nuances can help therapists make informed decisions about their career paths in Fullerton and beyond.
More salary data for Fullerton, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Fullerton in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Fullerton?
Are occupational therapists in Fullerton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Fullerton?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Fullerton?
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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 Fullerton. 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 Fullerton 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