Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Turlock, CA: $59.50 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Turlock, CA runs $59.50 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $123,743 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Turlock's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $52.61 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $74,252 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Turlock, CA, the occupational therapist hourly pay is projected to be $59.50 in 2026, significantly above the national hourly median of $49.71. This robust rate enhances the earning potential for part-time and per-diem therapists who typically work in diverse settings such as outpatient clinics, school therapy rooms, and skilled nursing facilities. With an hourly range of $43.88 at the 10th percentile to $80.40 at the 90th percentile, occupational therapists have the opportunity to earn well as they progress in their careers. For entry-level practitioners, this starting pay can provide a solid foundation, while those with experience and specialization, like Certified Hand Therapists (CHT), can see their hourly rates rise even further, illustrating the potential for significant income growth within this profession in Turlock.
About the Turlock 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) | $43.88 | $351.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.56 | $396.49 |
| Median (P50) | $59.50 | $475.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70.87 | $566.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80.40 | $643.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Turlock
Based on $59.50/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $59.50/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Turlock, CA can expect to earn approximately $123,753 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $71,396. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Turlock.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Turlock
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,379.86 | $10,313 | $123,753 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,427.92 | $6,188 | $74,252 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $951.94 | $4,125 | $49,501 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Turlock) | $59.50 |
| 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 Turlock, CA earn a median of $123,743 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.67% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 2.20% below the California state average of $126,527.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $59.50/hr = $74,252/year (purchasing power: $65,651).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $123,753/year (purchasing power: $109,419).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$48.88/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$59.50/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Turlock (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48.88/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $49.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $49.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $53.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $55.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $59.02/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59.50/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61.32/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Turlock grew 18.1% from $48.88/hr (2019) to $57.73/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $61.32/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 Turlock 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 Turlock
Focusing on part-time roles, an occupational therapist working three days a week—approximately 24 hours—can expect to take home around $74,880 annually, a commendable income that can be far more flexible compared to full-time employment. For those engaging in per diem work, typical billing rates fluctuate between $50 to $75 per hour, with licensed CHTs commanding rates that can soar as high as $110 in cash-pay environments. In Turlock, the emphasis on job settings leads to varying hourly wages; skilled nursing facilities might offer lower compensation compared to private outpatient practices that have more financial flexibility. This variability often results in occupational therapists weighing the benefits of employment that includes health insurance against the higher hourly rates available to independent contractors. Negotiating effectively in this market can mean the difference between accepting a lower rate for comprehensive benefits or pursuing higher pay in per diem positions while navigating employment opportunities in Turlock.
More salary data for Turlock, 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 Turlock. 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 Turlock 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