Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Long Beach, CA: $60.67 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Long Beach, CA runs $60.67 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $126,192 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Long Beach's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $53.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $75,718 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in Long Beach, California, earn a median hourly rate of $60.67, which is significantly higher than the national hourly median of $49.71. This rate translates well for those working part-time or on a per-diem basis, enabling flexible scheduling in various healthcare settings such as hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. The hourly pay range for occupational therapists in the region extends from $39.49 for entry-level positions to $85.75 for top earners. Given the cost-of-living index for Long Beach, which stands at 113.1, this hourly compensation allows OTs to maintain a reasonable standard of living while engaging in diverse therapy practices, including home health visits and school therapy sessions. Such favorable rates are estimated from broader annual salary data while reflecting the demand for skilled therapists in this California city.
About the Long Beach 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) | $39.49 | $315.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.42 | $403.34 |
| Median (P50) | $60.67 | $485.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73.90 | $591.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85.75 | $685.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Long Beach
Based on $60.67/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $60.67/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Long Beach, CA can expect to earn approximately $126,197 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $72,806. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Long Beach.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Long Beach
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,426.86 | $10,516 | $126,197 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,456.11 | $6,310 | $75,718 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $970.74 | $4,207 | $50,479 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Long Beach) | $60.67 |
| 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 Long Beach, CA earn a median of $126,192 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.04% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 0.30% below the California state average of $126,572.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $60.67/hr = $75,718/year (purchasing power: $66,948).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $126,197/year (purchasing power: $111,580).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$49.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$60.67/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Long Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $50.63/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $50.21/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $54.67/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $56.55/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $63.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60.67/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Long Beach grew 18.1% from $49.85/hr (2019) to $58.87/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $62.53/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 Long Beach 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 Long Beach
For those considering a part-time role, an occupational therapist working three days a week can expect to take home approximately $75,000 annually, while full-time positions may yield higher earnings. Per-diem occupational therapist pay in Long Beach typically ranges from $50 to $75 per hour, but those with the specialized Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential can command between $80 and $110 in private practices focused on hand therapy. Seasonal and travel contracts also present lucrative options, offering weekly payments ranging from $1,800 to $2,800. Hourly rates can vary significantly across employer types; for example, OTs working in skilled nursing facilities may earn less than those in outpatient clinics or school districts. Many occupational therapists tolerate lower hourly wages for benefits like health insurance, highlighting a trade-off many must consider. Negotiating hourly pay is crucial, particularly in Long Beach's competitive market, where knowing both local and regional salary benchmarks can enhance leverage during discussions.
More salary data for Long Beach, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Long Beach in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Long Beach?
Are occupational therapists in Long Beach paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Long Beach?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Long Beach?
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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 Long Beach. 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 Long Beach 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