Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Temecula, CA: $62.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Temecula, CA runs $62.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $129,372 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Temecula's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $54.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,621 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy professionals in Temecula, CA, find themselves well-compensated, with a projected median hourly rate of $62.20 for 2026. This figure significantly exceeds the national median of $49.71, highlighting the higher demand and cost of living in the area. For part-time employees working three days a week, this rate translates into a substantial earning potential, particularly in varied settings such as hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. Additionally, the hourly range from entry-level positions at approximately $42.55 to seasoned professionals making up to $80.35 per hour showcases the growth opportunities in this career path. This occupational therapist hourly pay in Temecula is indicative of the profession's critical role in providing rehabilitation and support services to a diverse patient population.
About the Temecula 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) | $42.55 | $340.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.76 | $414.05 |
| Median (P50) | $62.20 | $497.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71.49 | $571.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80.35 | $642.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Temecula
Based on $62.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.20/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Temecula, CA can expect to earn approximately $129,369 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,636. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Temecula.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Temecula
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,487.87 | $10,781 | $129,369 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,492.72 | $6,468 | $77,621 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $995.15 | $4,312 | $51,748 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Temecula) | $62.20 |
| 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 Temecula, CA earn a median of $129,372 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.12% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 2.20% above the California state average of $126,587.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.20/hr = $77,621/year (purchasing power: $68,631).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $129,369/year (purchasing power: $114,385).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$51.10/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.20/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Temecula (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51.10/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $51.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $51.47/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $57.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $61.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Temecula grew 18.1% from $51.10/hr (2019) to $60.35/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.10/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 Temecula 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 Temecula
When considering part-time work, an occupational therapist in Temecula working a 24-hour week could expect to earn around $77,183 annually, in contrast to the full-time equivalent, which yields $129,372. For those opting for per diem roles, the compensation fluctuates between $50 and $75 per hour, with specialized hand therapists holding the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential commanding even higher rates of $80 to $110 in cash-pay practices. Employment settings significantly affect pay rates, as skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics may offer different remuneration structures compared to school districts or home health agencies. While some therapists may accept lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, others might prefer the flexibility—and often higher pay—of agency or locum tenens work. Negotiating effectively requires understanding the local market dynamics, emphasizing skill sets like CHT certification, and being open to diverse job opportunities in Temecula.
More salary data for Temecula, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Temecula in 2026?
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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 Temecula. 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 Temecula 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