Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Sacramento, CA: $60.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Sacramento, CA runs $60.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $126,537 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Sacramento's regional price level (BEA RPP 106.7, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $57.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $75,924 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Sacramento, the hourly pay for occupational therapists is projected to be $60.84 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $49.71. This rate reflects the value placed on occupational therapy professionals in the region, making it an appealing option for those considering part-time or per-diem work. For instance, a therapist working three days a week can earn a substantial income, especially when working in environments like hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, or outpatient clinics. The hourly range extends from $47.03 for entry-level positions to $76.77 for top earners, providing multiple pathways for compensation depending on experience and specialty. This data is based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47.03 | $376.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.10 | $424.77 |
| Median (P50) | $60.84 | $486.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67.51 | $540.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76.77 | $614.16 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sacramento
Based on $60.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $60.84/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sacramento, CA can expect to earn approximately $126,540 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,004. With a cost-of-living index of 106.67 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Sacramento.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sacramento
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,433.45 | $10,545 | $126,540 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,460.07 | $6,327 | $75,924 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $973.38 | $4,218 | $50,616 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Sacramento) | $60.84 |
| 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 Sacramento, CA earn a median of $126,537 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.38% higher than the national median of $103,400.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $60.84/hr = $75,924/year (purchasing power: $71,176).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $126,540/year (purchasing power: $118,627).
CoL index: 106.67 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$48.21/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$60.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Sacramento (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48.21/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $50.89/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $49.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $53.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $59.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62.70/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Sacramento grew 22.4% from $48.21/hr (2019) to $59.03/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $62.70/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 Sacramento 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 Sacramento
Occupational therapists in Sacramento have various earning potentials that hinge on the employment setting and schedule. A part-time therapist working 24 hours a week could make approximately $75,000 annually, which can contrast sharply with a full-time salary due to the fewer hours worked. For those who prefer flexibility, per diem occupational therapist pay in Sacramento generally ranges from $50 to $75 per hour, and those with CHT certification can command rates as high as $80 to $110 per hour in private cash-pay practices. Travel occupational therapists can also see lucrative weekly contracts ranging from $1,800 to $2,800, which is attractive for professionals seeking variety and higher earnings. Different employer types influence pay scales; for example, skilled nursing facilities may pay less than outpatient hand therapy clinics. Occupational therapists often weigh the benefits of lower hourly wages for comprehensive health insurance packages against the higher pay without benefits. Negotiating hourly rates requires an understanding of local demand and prevailing wages, alongside making a case for one’s advanced qualifications and specialties like hand therapy.
More salary data for Sacramento, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Sacramento in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Sacramento?
Are occupational therapists in Sacramento paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Sacramento?
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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 Sacramento. 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