Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in San Francisco, CA: $67.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in San Francisco, CA runs $67.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $140,955 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against San Francisco's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.6, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $58.62 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $84,580 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the occupational therapist hourly pay in San Francisco is projected to be $67.77, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $49.71. This elevated rate makes the profession particularly attractive for those considering part-time roles, as many OTs may work three days a week in settings such as hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, or during home health visits. Per-diem occupational therapists working in these environments can earn between $47.69 at the entry level to $84.95 at the higher echelons of the career spectrum. Such flexible roles provide a valuable balance of work-life dynamics while still capitalizing on the growing demand for occupational therapy services across the Bay Area, as per the official Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47.69 | $381.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61.22 | $489.74 |
| Median (P50) | $67.77 | $542.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76.82 | $614.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84.95 | $679.62 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Francisco
Based on $67.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.77/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Francisco, CA can expect to earn approximately $140,966 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $81,327. With a cost-of-living index of 115.61 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Francisco.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Francisco
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,710.89 | $11,747 | $140,966 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,626.53 | $7,048 | $84,580 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,084.36 | $4,699 | $56,387 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (San Francisco) | $67.77 |
| 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 Francisco, CA earn a median of $140,955 per year (2026 est.), which is 36.32% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 11.40% above the California state average of $126,531.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.77/hr = $84,580/year (purchasing power: $73,158).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $140,966/year (purchasing power: $121,929).
CoL index: 115.613 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$51.21/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$65.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in San Francisco (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51.21/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $52.62/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $56.21/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.12/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $62.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $65.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.85/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in San Francisco grew 28.4% from $51.21/hr (2019) to $65.76/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.85/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 Francisco 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 Francisco
Considering the part-time earning dynamics, an occupational therapist clocking in 24 hours a week can expect to take home an annual income that reflects a comfortable lifestyle in San Francisco. While full-time work offers considerable financial benefits, part-timers can effectively manage their schedules while leveraging potential side gigs, particularly with per diem opportunities. The per diem occupational therapist pay in San Francisco often ranges between $50 and $75 per hour; CHT-certified therapists can command even higher rates of $80 to $110 for specialized services. While healthcare facilities might offer more consistent hourly rates, private practice and agency work can yield variable rates based on demand and credentialing, creating a landscape where OTs might negotiate between benefits and hourly income. For San Francisco-based occupational therapists, understanding these earning potentials and negotiating effectively for roles can be key to shaping a fulfilling career amid rising living costs in the region.
More salary data for San Francisco, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Francisco. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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