Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Tulare, CA: $61.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Tulare, CA runs $61.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $127,842 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Tulare's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $54.35 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $76,708 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in Tulare, CA, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $61.46 in 2026, which significantly surpasses the national median of $49.71. This advantageous hourly pay offers flexibility for those considering part-time roles, such as working three days a week in settings like skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, or outpatient clinics. For part-time practitioners or per-diem workers, this means an effective hourly income ranging from $43.64 at the 10th percentile to $78.70 at the 90th percentile, allowing them to tailor their work schedules to fit personal or family commitments. Given the competitive pay in Tulare, those entering the field or seeking advancement can find opportunities that not only match their professional aspirations but also align with their lifestyle preferences.
About the Tulare 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) | $43.64 | $349.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.92 | $399.38 |
| Median (P50) | $61.46 | $491.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70.61 | $564.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78.70 | $629.57 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tulare
Based on $61.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.46/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tulare, CA can expect to earn approximately $127,847 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,758. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tulare.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tulare
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,458.60 | $10,654 | $127,847 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,475.16 | $6,392 | $76,708 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $983.44 | $4,262 | $51,139 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Tulare) | $61.46 |
| 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 Tulare, CA earn a median of $127,842 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.64% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 1.00% above the California state average of $126,576.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.46/hr = $76,708/year (purchasing power: $67,823).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $127,847/year (purchasing power: $113,039).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$50.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.64/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Tulare (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $51.29/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $50.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $55.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $57.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $60.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.64/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.35/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Tulare grew 18.1% from $50.50/hr (2019) to $59.64/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.35/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 Tulare 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 Tulare
In terms of financial expectations, a part-time occupational therapist in Tulare working 24 hours a week could anticipate earning roughly $76,000 annually, considerably less than full-time colleagues due to the limited hours worked. However, per diem occupational therapist pay in Tulare tends to fall between $50 and $75 per hour, presenting highly lucrative options for those willing to work through staffing agencies or flexible contracts. Furthermore, certified hand therapists specializing in hand therapy can command rates as high as $80 to $110 per hour in cash-pay practices, and travel contracts can offer weekly pay ranging from $1,800 to $2,800. Different employer types, including mental health facilities and home health agencies, may offer varying pay rates—often a trade-off between hourly rates and benefits, such as health insurance. Negotiating effectively is crucial for hourly workers; being clear about one’s value and understanding the specifics of locally offered packages can lead to better compensation outcomes in Tulare's evolving job market.
More salary data for Tulare, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Tulare in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Tulare?
Are occupational therapists in Tulare paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Tulare?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Tulare?
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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 Tulare. 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 Tulare 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