Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in San Buenaventura, CA: $61.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in San Buenaventura, CA runs $61.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $127,797 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against San Buenaventura's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $54.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $76,683 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, occupational therapists in San Buenaventura, California, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $61.44, significantly higher than the national median of $49.71. This favorable position not only benefits full-time employees but also offers lucrative opportunities for part-time professionals working three days a week, as well as those in per-diem roles across various therapy settings like hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. The hourly pay ranges from $45.42 for entry-level specialists to $84.09 for the most experienced therapists, highlighting substantial earning potential for those with advanced certifications or specialized skills, such as gaining the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential, which can command higher rates in cash-pay practices.
About the San Buenaventura 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) | $45.42 | $363.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.56 | $412.49 |
| Median (P50) | $61.44 | $491.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73.42 | $587.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84.09 | $672.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Buenaventura
Based on $61.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.44/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Buenaventura, CA can expect to earn approximately $127,804 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,733. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Buenaventura.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Buenaventura
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,457.77 | $10,650 | $127,804 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,474.66 | $6,390 | $76,683 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $983.11 | $4,260 | $51,122 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (San Buenaventura) | $61.44 |
| 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 San Buenaventura, CA earn a median of $127,797 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.59% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 1.00% above the California state average of $126,532.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.44/hr = $76,683/year (purchasing power: $67,801).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $127,804/year (purchasing power: $113,001).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$50.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in San Buenaventura (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $51.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $50.85/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $55.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $57.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $60.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.32/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in San Buenaventura grew 18.1% from $50.48/hr (2019) to $59.62/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.32/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 San Buenaventura 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 San Buenaventura
For those choosing part-time work, an occupational therapist in San Buenaventura might earn an estimated annual income based on a 24-hour work week, enabling a sustainable work-life balance compared to full-time positions. Per-diem occupational therapists typically bill between $50 and $75 per hour, while CHT-credentialed hand therapists may reach rates from $80 to $110 in specialized settings. Additionally, travel OT contracts can yield competitive weekly pay of $1,800 to $2,800. It’s important to recognize the differences in hourly rates depending on employer types; for example, skilled nursing facilities may offer different compensation compared to school districts or outpatient clinics. Therapists must often weigh the benefits of higher hourly wages without health insurance against positions that provide full-time benefits. For those in negotiations, emphasizing specialized skills and flexibility can help improve hourly pay in this vibrant local market.
More salary data for San Buenaventura, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in San Buenaventura in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in San Buenaventura?
Are occupational therapists in San Buenaventura paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in San Buenaventura?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in San Buenaventura?
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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 San Buenaventura. 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 San Buenaventura 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