Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Oakland, CA: $69.31 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Oakland, CA runs $69.31 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $144,163 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Oakland's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $61.28 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $86,496 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in Oakland, CA, earn a median hourly rate of $69.31, significantly higher than the national median of $49.71. This elevated hourly pay reflects the city’s cost of living and the competitive demand for skilled therapists in various settings, such as hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. For those choosing part-time work, such as a typical 3-day workweek, this rate translates to a substantial take-home compensation that makes the profession appealing. Moreover, the hourly rate in Oakland ranges from $47.17 at the entry-level to as much as $96.34 for seasoned specialists, providing ample opportunities for those just starting their careers as well as for experienced occupational therapists, particularly those with advanced certifications like the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential.
About the Oakland 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) | $47.17 | $377.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55.13 | $441.01 |
| Median (P50) | $69.31 | $554.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83.27 | $666.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96.34 | $770.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oakland
Based on $69.31/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $69.31/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oakland, CA can expect to earn approximately $144,160 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $83,169. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Oakland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oakland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,772.31 | $12,013 | $144,160 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,663.39 | $7,208 | $86,496 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,108.93 | $4,805 | $57,664 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Oakland) | $69.31 |
| 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 Oakland, CA earn a median of $144,163 per year (2026 est.), which is 39.42% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 13.90% above the California state average of $126,570.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $69.31/hr = $86,496/year (purchasing power: $76,478).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $144,160/year (purchasing power: $127,463).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$56.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$67.25/hr
2026 Current Est.
$69.31/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Oakland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $57.83/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $62.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $64.60/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $64.82/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $67.25/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69.31/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Oakland grew 18.1% from $56.94/hr (2019) to $67.25/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $71.43/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 Oakland 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 Oakland
Examining the part-time earning potential, a 24-hour workweek for an occupational therapist translates to approximately $86,620 annually, markedly lower than full-time earnings but still competitive. Per-diem occupational therapist pay in Oakland often fluctuates, with practitioners billing between $50 and $75 per hour. Those specializing in hand therapy can command even higher rates, ranging from $80 to $110 per hour in cash-pay scenarios. Furthermore, travel OTs can see weekly earnings between $1,800 and $2,800, which highlights the lucrative opportunities available outside typical employment settings. However, occupational therapists need to consider employer types, as hourly rates can vary widely among skilled nursing facilities, school districts, and home health agencies. While some prioritize benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans, others may favor higher hourly pay without benefits. Negotiation remains critical; being informed about local salary expectations and understanding your unique value can set you apart in this dynamic field.
More salary data for Oakland, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Oakland in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Oakland?
Are occupational therapists in Oakland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Oakland?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Oakland?
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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 Oakland. 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 Oakland 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