Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Indio, CA: $59.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Indio, CA runs $59.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $124,235 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Indio's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $52.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $74,535 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in Indio, California, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $59.72 in 2026, which significantly exceeds the national median of $49.71. This favorable hourly pay opens opportunities for both part-time and per-diem positions across a variety of settings, including hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and home health visits. Those working part-time, perhaps three days a week, can expect to capitalize on an appealing wage that ranges from $44.25 at the entry level to $79.16 for the highest earners. Given the diverse environments where occupational therapists operate, from schools to mental health facilities, the hourly rates reflect the unique demands and skill sets required in Indio.
About the Indio 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) | $44.25 | $354.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.04 | $400.29 |
| Median (P50) | $59.72 | $477.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70.08 | $560.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79.16 | $633.28 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Indio
Based on $59.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $59.72/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Indio, CA can expect to earn approximately $124,224 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $71,668. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Indio.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Indio
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,388.93 | $10,352 | $124,224 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,433.36 | $6,211 | $74,535 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $955.57 | $4,141 | $49,690 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Indio) | $59.72 |
| 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 Indio, CA earn a median of $124,235 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.15% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 1.80% below the California state average of $126,512.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $59.72/hr = $74,535/year (purchasing power: $65,902).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $124,224/year (purchasing power: $109,836).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$49.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$59.72/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Indio (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49.07/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $49.83/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $49.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $53.82/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $55.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $59.26/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Indio grew 18.1% from $49.07/hr (2019) to $57.95/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $61.55/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 Indio 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 Indio
When considering part-time work, a 24-hour workweek can lead to annual earnings that still provide a respectable income, making this pathway attractive for those seeking flexibility. Per diem and locum tenens roles present varied earning potentials; many OTs in Indio bill between $50 and $75 per hour, with those holding a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential earning upwards of $80 to $110 per hour, especially in private practice settings. Travel occupational therapy contracts can also command high weekly pay, ranging from $1,800 to $2,800, reflecting the urgent demand in various healthcare settings. Different employer types—ranging from skilled nursing to education systems—can influence the hourly rates, and therapists often need to balance the trade-offs between higher pay without benefits and lower pay with health insurance. Negotiating these contracts requires clarity on market standards, ensuring that OTs in Indio optimize their earning potential.
More salary data for Indio, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Indio in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Indio?
Are occupational therapists in Indio paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Indio?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Indio?
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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 Indio. 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 Indio 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