Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Lodi, CA: $60.09 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Lodi, CA runs $60.09 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $125,005 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Lodi's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $53.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $74,998 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lodi, California, occupational therapists earn a median hourly rate of $60.09, significantly higher than the national average of $49.71. This competitive pay not only benefits full-time professionals but also offers a strong incentive for part-time and per-diem workers, who often find positions in settings such as hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. With an hourly range stretching from $44.18 to $78.79, entry-level therapists can expect to earn in the lower spectrum, while those with specialized credentials, such as Certified Hand Therapists (CHT), may find themselves at the top end. These rates are projected estimates based on 2025 BLS data, reflecting the growing demand for occupational therapy services in the region.
About the Lodi 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) | $44.18 | $353.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.94 | $399.54 |
| Median (P50) | $60.09 | $480.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70.14 | $561.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78.79 | $630.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lodi
Based on $60.09/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $60.09/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lodi, CA can expect to earn approximately $124,996 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $72,113. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lodi.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lodi
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,403.77 | $10,416 | $124,996 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,442.26 | $6,250 | $74,998 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $961.51 | $4,167 | $49,998 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Lodi) | $60.09 |
| 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 Lodi, CA earn a median of $125,005 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.89% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 1.20% below the California state average of $126,523.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $60.09/hr = $74,998/year (purchasing power: $66,311).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $124,996/year (purchasing power: $110,518).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$49.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$60.09/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Lodi (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49.37/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $50.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $49.73/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $54.15/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $56.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $58.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60.09/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61.93/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Lodi grew 18.1% from $49.37/hr (2019) to $58.31/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $61.93/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 Lodi 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 Lodi
For those considering part-time positions, a typical three-day workweek could yield around $74,092 annually, compared to a full-time therapist's earnings of approximately $124,010. Per-diem occupational therapist pay in Lodi ranges from about $50 to $75 per hour, but those with specialized credentials can command premium rates of $80 to $110 in cash-pay practices, while travel OT contracts could offer between $1,800 and $2,800 weekly. Pay varies widely across employer types, whether in skilled nursing facilities or school districts, with negotiation often revolving around the trade-off between hourly pay and benefits. Some therapists might accept lower hourly rates for consistent health insurance, making careful consideration essential for maintaining financial stability while advancing in their careers. For anyone entering the field, understanding these dynamics in occupational therapist hourly pay in Lodi can significantly impact long-term career decisions.
More salary data for Lodi, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Lodi in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Lodi?
Are occupational therapists in Lodi paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Lodi?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Lodi?
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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 Lodi. 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 Lodi 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