Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Norwalk, CA: $60.39 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Norwalk, CA runs $60.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $125,610 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Norwalk's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $53.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $75,371 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the occupational therapist hourly pay in Norwalk, CA is projected to reach $60.39, significantly exceeding the national average of $49.71 per hour. This higher rate reflects the local demand for skilled therapists in various settings, including hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, schools, and outpatient clinics. For part-time workers, such as those working three days a week, this hourly rate translates into an attractive income, given the flexibility in scheduling and opportunities for per diem work. Entry-level therapists in Norwalk can expect to earn around $43.20 per hour, while more experienced professionals may command up to $80.39 per hour, showing a strong potential for growth within the field.
About the Norwalk 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) | $43.20 | $345.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.14 | $385.11 |
| Median (P50) | $60.39 | $483.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70.96 | $567.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80.39 | $643.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Norwalk
Based on $60.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $60.39/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Norwalk, CA can expect to earn approximately $125,618 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $72,472. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Norwalk.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Norwalk
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,415.73 | $10,468 | $125,618 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,449.44 | $6,281 | $75,371 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $966.29 | $4,187 | $50,247 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Norwalk) | $60.39 |
| 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 Norwalk, CA earn a median of $125,610 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.48% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 0.70% below the California state average of $126,495.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $60.39/hr = $75,371/year (purchasing power: $66,641).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $125,618/year (purchasing power: $111,068).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$49.62/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.60/hr
2026 Current Est.
$60.39/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Norwalk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49.62/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $50.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $49.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $54.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $56.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $59.91/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.60/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Norwalk grew 18.1% from $49.62/hr (2019) to $58.60/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $62.24/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 Norwalk 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 Norwalk
In terms of annual income, a part-time occupational therapist working 24 hours a week can expect to take home approximately $75,719 annually, whereas full-time therapists might earn more than $125,610. Per diem occupational therapist pay in Norwalk typically ranges from $50 to $75 per hour for standard therapy roles, while specialized therapists with a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential often see rates between $80-$110 per hour. Occupational therapists should consider various employer types—such as skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and home health agencies—as these can affect hourly rates significantly. While some may opt for positions offering lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance, others may prefer higher wage opportunities with diminished benefits. For those negotiating hourly rates, being informed about local pay scales and expressing readiness to work in various therapeutic settings can enhance earning potential.
More salary data for Norwalk, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Norwalk in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Norwalk?
Are occupational therapists in Norwalk paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Norwalk?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Norwalk?
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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 Norwalk. 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 Norwalk 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