Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in San Luis Obispo, CA: $54.58 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in San Luis Obispo, CA runs $54.58 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $113,541 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against San Luis Obispo's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.6, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $50.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $68,117 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Occupational therapists in San Luis Obispo, CA, earn a median hourly wage of $54.58, significantly higher than the national median of $49.71. This competitive rate allows professionals to thrive in various settings, including hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. For part-time workers, such as those operating three days a week, this hourly pay translates to a substantial income for a flexible schedule. The hourly range stretches from $39.67 for entry-level positions to $74.38 for experienced practitioners, highlighting the diverse earning potential influenced by skills and expertise. These figures are derived from the 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, reflecting the financial landscape that occupational therapists can expect to navigate in the coming year.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39.67 | $317.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.05 | $400.37 |
| Median (P50) | $54.58 | $436.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60.37 | $482.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $74.38 | $595.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Luis Obispo
Based on $54.58/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $54.58/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Luis Obispo, CA can expect to earn approximately $113,528 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $65,497. With a cost-of-living index of 108.60 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Luis Obispo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Luis Obispo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,183.22 | $9,461 | $113,528 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,309.93 | $5,676 | $68,117 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $873.29 | $3,784 | $45,411 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (San Luis Obispo) | $54.58 |
| 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 Luis Obispo, CA earn a median of $113,541 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.81% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 10.30% below the California state average of $126,579.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $54.58/hr = $68,117/year (purchasing power: $62,725).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $113,528/year (purchasing power: $104,541).
CoL index: 108.596 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$44.04/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$52.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$54.58/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in San Luis Obispo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.04/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.08/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.47/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $50.72/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $52.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54.58/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in San Luis Obispo grew 20.3% from $44.04/hr (2019) to $52.96/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $56.25/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 Luis Obispo 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 Luis Obispo
When considering the financial implications of working part-time versus full-time in San Luis Obispo, a 24-hour work week could yield an annual income that significantly impacts a therapist's lifestyle. For instance, working three days a week would equate to approximately $67,999 in gross income annually. Per diem occupational therapist pay in San Luis Obispo typically ranges from $50 to $75 per hour, making it an attractive option for those seeking flexibility or pursuing advanced credentials such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), where rates can rise to $80-$110. Hourly compensation can differ based on employer types, with skilled nursing facilities and schools often offering stability and benefits, while outpatient clinics may provide higher hourly rates but without health insurance. Occupational therapists should also strategize during negotiations, focusing on the value of benefits versus hourly pay to make informed choices that align with their personal and professional goals.
More salary data for San Luis Obispo, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in San Luis Obispo in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in San Luis Obispo?
Are occupational therapists in San Luis Obispo paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in San Luis Obispo?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in San Luis Obispo?
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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 Luis Obispo. 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