Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Irvine, CA: $63.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Irvine, CA runs $63.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $131,445 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Irvine's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $55.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $78,869 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Irvine, California, the projected median hourly pay for occupational therapists is $63.20, significantly higher than the national median of $49.71. This competitive hourly rate not only reflects the cost of living in the area but also provides ample opportunities for both part-time and per-diem occupational therapists who typically work in settings like hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and home health care. For those in part-time positions, such as working three days a week, earning $63.20 per hour can lead to substantial income while maintaining a flexible schedule suitable for personal commitments or additional opportunities elsewhere. The hourly rate also varies widely, with entry-level positions starting at about $44.36 and seasoned professionals potentially earning up to $87.62 per hour.
About the Irvine 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) | $44.36 | $354.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.49 | $411.91 |
| Median (P50) | $63.20 | $505.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77.21 | $617.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87.62 | $700.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Irvine
Based on $63.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.20/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Irvine, CA can expect to earn approximately $131,448 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $75,836. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Irvine.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Irvine
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,527.86 | $10,954 | $131,448 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,516.71 | $6,572 | $78,869 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,011.14 | $4,382 | $52,579 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Irvine) | $63.20 |
| 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 Irvine, CA earn a median of $131,445 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.12% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 3.90% above the California state average of $126,511.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.20/hr = $78,869/year (purchasing power: $69,734).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $131,448/year (purchasing power: $116,223).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$51.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.32/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.20/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Irvine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $52.73/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $52.30/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.95/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.90/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $62.70/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.32/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Irvine grew 18.1% from $51.92/hr (2019) to $61.32/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.13/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 Irvine 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 Irvine
For occupational therapists considering a mixed work structure, such as fulfilling per-diem roles or working as locum tenens, the financial landscape can shift considerably. While some per diem occupational therapist pay in Irvine ranges from $50 to $75 per hour, credentialed specialists, like Certified Hand Therapists (CHTs), can command between $80 and $110 per hour in cash-pay practices. Travel OT contracts occasionally reach earnings of $1,800 to $2,800 per week. Understanding how hourly rates differ across various employer types—such as skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and schools—is crucial for maximizing earning potential. Therapists often face a trade-off between higher hourly rates without benefits and steadier employment with health coverage that tends to pay less per hour. Negotiating skills can play a vital role in securing the best compensation package, making it essential for occupational therapists in Irvine to be strategic about their employment arrangements.
More salary data for Irvine, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Irvine in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Irvine?
Are occupational therapists in Irvine paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Irvine?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Irvine?
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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 Irvine. 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 Irvine 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