Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Petaluma, CA: $62.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Petaluma, CA runs $62.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $130,666 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Petaluma's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $55.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $78,393 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in Petaluma, California, can expect a median hourly pay of $62.82, significantly higher than the national median of $49.71. This robust hourly rate offers a strong incentive for both full-time and part-time occupational therapists while also defining the earnings potential for per-diem workers. In typical settings like hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and school therapy rooms, hourly pay ranges from $46.67 at the entry-level to $83.10 for the top earners. This broad spectrum illustrates the financial advantages associated with the profession, making it an attractive option for those considering careers in occupational therapy, whether in outpatient clinics, home health visits, or early intervention programs. These estimates derive from annual salary data, ensuring potential employees have a firm understanding of their expected compensation.
About the Petaluma 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) | $46.67 | $373.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.53 | $420.24 |
| Median (P50) | $62.82 | $502.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73.62 | $588.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83.10 | $664.78 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Petaluma
Based on $62.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.82/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Petaluma, CA can expect to earn approximately $130,655 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $75,378. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Petaluma.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Petaluma
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,512.60 | $10,888 | $130,655 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,507.56 | $6,533 | $78,393 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,005.04 | $4,355 | $52,262 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Petaluma) | $62.82 |
| 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 Petaluma, CA earn a median of $130,666 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.37% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 3.30% above the California state average of $126,491.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.82/hr = $78,393/year (purchasing power: $69,313).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $130,655/year (purchasing power: $115,522).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$51.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Petaluma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51.61/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $52.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $51.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.61/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.54/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $59.18/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Petaluma grew 18.1% from $51.61/hr (2019) to $60.95/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.74/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 Petaluma 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 Petaluma
When analyzing the financial prospects for part-time occupational therapists working three days a week, the earnings can be substantial but vary significantly based on employment type. A part-time therapist working a total of 24 hours may realistically take home close to $78,000 annually, contrasting sharply with full-time salaries. Per diem occupational therapist pay in Petaluma averages between $50-$75 per hour, with specialized hand therapists holding a CHT credential often earning $80-$110 per hour in cash-pay practices. Travel contracts present an even greater earning opportunity, typically ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 weekly. Hourly rates can fluctuate widely depending on the employer; skilled nursing facilities and school districts may offer lower rates, whereas outpatient clinics or mental health facilities can provide a premium. Occupational therapists often weigh the benefits of securing comprehensive health insurance against higher hourly rates without benefits. Negotiation tips for hourly workers in Petaluma focus on articulating the value of specialized skills, such as CHT certification, to leverage better pay opportunities.
More salary data for Petaluma, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Petaluma in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Petaluma?
Are occupational therapists in Petaluma paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Petaluma?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Petaluma?
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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 Petaluma. 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 Petaluma 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