Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Pomona, CA: $62.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Pomona, CA runs $62.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $130,804 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Pomona's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $55.60 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $78,483 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pomona, California, the occupational therapist hourly pay is projected to be $62.89 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $49.71. This robust hourly rate opens up numerous opportunities for part-time and per-diem occupational therapists in various settings, such as hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient hand therapy clinics. Part-time therapists working three days a week could anticipate earnings around $47,000 annually, reflecting a diverse range of financial options for both entry-level professionals starting at approximately $43.87 per hour and experienced therapists earning up to $82.67 per hour. Such attractive pay rates illustrate the demand for skilled occupational therapists in CA, enabling them to pursue rewarding positions that align with their career aspirations.
About the Pomona 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) | $43.87 | $350.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.80 | $406.39 |
| Median (P50) | $62.89 | $503.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73.13 | $585.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82.67 | $661.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pomona
Based on $62.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.89/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pomona, CA can expect to earn approximately $130,805 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $75,465. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Pomona.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pomona
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,515.49 | $10,900 | $130,805 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,509.29 | $6,540 | $78,483 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,006.20 | $4,360 | $52,322 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Pomona) | $62.89 |
| 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 Pomona, CA earn a median of $130,804 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.50% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 3.40% above the California state average of $126,503.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.89/hr = $78,483/year (purchasing power: $69,393).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $130,805/year (purchasing power: $115,655).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$51.67/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.02/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Pomona (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51.67/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $52.47/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $52.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.67/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $62.39/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.02/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Pomona grew 18.1% from $51.67/hr (2019) to $61.02/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.81/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 Pomona 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 Pomona
Considering various employment settings in Pomona, part-time occupational therapists earning a steady hourly rate can have a substantial income compared to their full-time counterparts. Working 24 hours a week can yield a different annual take-home pay than a full-time commitment, allowing for flexibility while still generating a decent income. For those seeking per diem opportunities, rates typically range from $50 to $75 per hour, and CHT-certified hand therapists can command up to $110 per hour in private practice settings, reflecting the premium often associated with specialized credentials. Furthermore, agency and travel occupational therapists may find contracts offering weekly earnings between $1,800 and $2,800, further diversifying the potential earnings landscape. The choice often boils down to balancing hourly compensation versus benefits; while some OTs might accept lower hourly rates for comprehensive health insurance, others may opt for higher pay without benefits. As such, effective negotiation strategies become essential, particularly for hourly workers seeking optimal employment arrangements in Pomona.
More salary data for Pomona, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Pomona in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Pomona?
Are occupational therapists in Pomona paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Pomona?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Pomona?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 Pomona. 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 Pomona 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