Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Lake Elsinore, CA: $60.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Lake Elsinore, CA runs $60.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $126,149 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Lake Elsinore's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $53.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $75,692 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in Lake Elsinore, CA, command a competitive hourly rate of $60.65, significantly surpassing the national hourly median of $49.71. This elevated pay means that many practitioners enjoy substantial earnings whether they work full-time in settings like hospital rehabilitation units or part-time in schools, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. For those seeking flexibility, like part-time therapists working three days a week, this hourly rate can still translate into a beneficial lifestyle. The hourly range for occupational therapists in Lake Elsinore spans from $41.81 for entry-level positions to as much as $82.08 for experienced professionals, providing a variety of options depending on one's level of expertise and specific work environment.
About the Lake Elsinore 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) | $41.81 | $334.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.27 | $386.19 |
| Median (P50) | $60.65 | $485.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68.73 | $549.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82.08 | $656.62 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lake Elsinore
Based on $60.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $60.65/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lake Elsinore, CA can expect to earn approximately $126,154 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $72,781. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lake Elsinore.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lake Elsinore
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,426.03 | $10,513 | $126,154 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,455.62 | $6,308 | $75,692 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $970.41 | $4,205 | $50,461 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Lake Elsinore) | $60.65 |
| 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 Lake Elsinore, CA earn a median of $126,149 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.00% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 0.30% below the California state average of $126,528.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $60.65/hr = $75,692/year (purchasing power: $66,925).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $126,154/year (purchasing power: $111,542).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$49.83/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$60.65/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Lake Elsinore (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49.83/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $50.61/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $50.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $54.66/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $56.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $60.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Lake Elsinore grew 18.1% from $49.83/hr (2019) to $58.85/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $62.51/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 Lake Elsinore 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 Lake Elsinore
Considering the earning potential of part-time occupational therapists who may only work 24 hours a week, their annual income can still be quite impressive when compared to full-time employees. Many per-diem occupational therapists earn between $50-$75 per hour, while specialized hand therapists holding a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential can achieve rates from $80 to $110 per hour, particularly in cash-pay practices. Travel occupational therapy contracts have also shown lucrative weekly compensation ranging from $1,800 to $2,800. Hourly rates can differ significantly among employer types in Lake Elsinore—home health agencies may offer lower rates but provide essential health benefits, whereas outpatient clinics and skilled nursing facilities might offer higher rates but without comprehensive perks. Negotiating effectively can be crucial, particularly for those in private practice or seeking agency contracts, where knowing the market rates will empower therapists to advocate for their worth in this growing field.
More salary data for Lake Elsinore, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Lake Elsinore in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Lake Elsinore?
Are occupational therapists in Lake Elsinore paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Lake Elsinore?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Lake Elsinore?
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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 Lake Elsinore. 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 Lake Elsinore 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