Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in San Jose, CA: $67.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in San Jose, CA runs $67.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $141,058 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against San Jose's regional price level (BEA RPP 110.4, 10% above national), each hour of work buys what $61.41 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $84,631 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Occupational therapists in San Jose, CA, command a competitive median hourly pay of $67.81, significantly higher than the national median of $49.71. This advantageous rate allows for flexible working arrangements, making it enticing for professionals pursuing part-time positions or per-diem opportunities at various clinical settings, including hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, school therapy rooms, and outpatient clinics. The hourly pay for occupational therapists in San Jose ranges from $48.28 at entry-level to $84.23 for seasoned professionals, reflecting the diverse demands and experiences within the workforce. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, highlighting the growth trend and ongoing demand for therapy services in the region.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48.28 | $386.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61.84 | $494.69 |
| Median (P50) | $67.81 | $542.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80.80 | $646.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84.23 | $673.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Jose
Based on $67.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.81/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Jose, CA can expect to earn approximately $141,052 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $81,376. With a cost-of-living index of 110.42 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Jose.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Jose
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,712.54 | $11,754 | $141,052 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,627.52 | $7,053 | $84,631 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,085.02 | $4,702 | $56,421 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (San Jose) | $67.81 |
| 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 Jose, CA earn a median of $141,058 per year (2026 est.), which is 36.42% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 11.50% above the California state average of $126,510.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.81/hr = $84,631/year (purchasing power: $76,643).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $141,052/year (purchasing power: $127,738).
CoL index: 110.423 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$48.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$65.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+44.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in San Jose (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $53.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.80/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $61.25/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $63.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $64.77/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $65.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.89/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in San Jose grew 35.8% from $48.47/hr (2019) to $65.80/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.89/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 Jose 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 Jose
Exploring part-time opportunities offers an enticing picture for those who prefer a three-day workweek. An occupational therapist working 24 hours weekly can expect to earn around $84,800 annually, which presents a viable income compared to a full-time schedule. For per diem occupational therapists in San Jose, billing rates commonly fall between $50 and $75 per hour, while CHT-credentialed therapists focusing on hand therapy may command even higher rates, ranging from $80 to $110 per hour in private cash-pay practices. Travel contracts also present lucrative options, often ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 weekly. However, hourly rates may fluctuate based on the type of employer; for instance, skilled nursing facilities typically offer lower rates than outpatient clinics or mental health facilities that may provide higher compensation, although with less comprehensive benefits. For occupational therapists in San Jose, weighing the advantages of higher hourly pay against potential benefits such as health insurance is critical when considering job offers. Moreover, when negotiating hourly pay, professionals should research local salary trends and consider presenting their CHT credentials to secure competitive compensation.
More salary data for San Jose, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in San Jose in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in San Jose?
Are occupational therapists in San Jose paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in San Jose?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in San Jose?
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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 Jose. 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