Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Modesto, CA: $60.01 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Modesto, CA runs $60.01 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $124,816 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Modesto's regional price level (BEA RPP 104.1, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $57.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $74,895 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Modesto, California, the occupational therapist hourly pay averages $60.01, which exceeds the national median hourly wage of $49.71 by approximately 20.71%. This high hourly rate is beneficial for both part-time and per-diem professionals, many of whom work in settings such as hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, travel for home health visits, and outpatient clinics. Entry-level occupational therapists in the area earn around $41.33 per hour, while top earners can make up to $78.62 per hour, reflecting a diverse range of experience and specialization within the profession. This data is sourced from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and highlights the financial incentives for prospective occupational therapists considering careers in Modesto.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41.33 | $330.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.66 | $421.31 |
| Median (P50) | $60.01 | $480.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $65.87 | $526.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78.62 | $629.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Modesto
Based on $60.01/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $60.01/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Modesto, CA can expect to earn approximately $124,825 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $72,014. With a cost-of-living index of 104.11 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Modesto.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Modesto
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,400.47 | $10,402 | $124,825 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,440.28 | $6,241 | $74,895 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $960.19 | $4,161 | $49,930 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Modesto) | $60.01 |
| 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 Modesto, CA earn a median of $124,816 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.71% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 1.40% below the California state average of $126,588.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $60.01/hr = $74,895/year (purchasing power: $71,939).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $124,825/year (purchasing power: $119,899).
CoL index: 104.108 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$45.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.23/hr
2026 Current Est.
$60.01/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+35.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Modesto (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.81/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $50.87/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.46/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $51.47/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $57.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.23/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60.01/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61.85/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Modesto grew 27.1% from $45.81/hr (2019) to $58.23/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $61.85/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 Modesto 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 Modesto
When evaluating potential earnings, part-time occupational therapists working three days a week (approximately 24 hours) can still earn a solid income without committing to full-time positions. For example, they might make around $62,000 annually, significantly less than a full-time counterpart, but still quite respectable compared to other professions. Additionally, per diem occupational therapists in Modesto often bill between $50 and $75 an hour; those with specialized credentials such as Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) can earn even higher rates, often reaching $80 to $110 per hour in cash-pay practices. The variation in hourly rates is influenced by various employment settings, with skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and school districts offering different pay structures. Occupational therapists must weigh the benefits of consistent hourly wages against the perks of higher-paying roles without benefits. Negotiating pay effectively, considering both hourly rates and healthcare benefits, is crucial for achieving financial stability in this thriving field in Modesto.
More salary data for Modesto, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Modesto in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Modesto?
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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 Modesto. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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