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Activity Therapist Per Diem Salary in California

How much does an Activity Therapist Per Diem make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Activity Therapist Per Diem in California is $43,398 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.

However, an Activity Therapist Per Diem's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $51,121
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $40,590 to $47,441
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $38,034
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Activity Therapist Per Diem Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Activity Therapist Per Diem Salaries

An Activity Therapist Per Diem's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Activity Therapist Per Diem Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Activity Therapist Per Diem's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $42,556
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $47,108
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $52,017
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $66,669
  • Expert (over 8 years): $74,854
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Activity Therapist Per Diem less than 1 year $42,556
Returns Clerk II 1-2 years $47,108
Returns Clerk III 2-4 years $52,017
Returns Supervisor 5-8 years $66,669
Returns Manager over 8 years $74,854

How Do Activity Therapist Per Diem Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Activity Therapist Per Diems. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $43,563.
  • California: $43,398.
  • Massachusetts: $42,819.

Top Paying Cities for Activity Therapist Per Diem

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Los Angeles: $43,473
  • West Hollywood: $43,441
  • Dodgertown: $43,472

Activity Therapist Per Diem Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Activity Therapist Per Diem roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Activity Therapist Per Diem positions in Aerospace & Defense or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Activity Therapist Per Diem as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for an Activity Therapist Per Diem

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology $52,077 $25.0 20%

Activity Therapist Per Diem Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Activity Therapist Per Diem's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$40,590
Average $43,398/year
$47,441
$3,383
Average $3,616/month
$3,953
$781
Average $835/week
$912
$20
Average $21/hour
$23
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $47,441 $3,953 $912 $23
Average $43,398 $3,616 $835 $21
25th Percentile $40,590 $3,383 $781 $20

Find Your Next Activity Therapist Per Diem Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Activity Therapist Per Diem job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • Kaweah Health | Visalia, CA

    Per Diem Recreation Therapist

    Kaweah Health | Visalia, CA

    Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. Kaweah Health is a publicly owned, community healthcare organization that provides comprehensive health services to the ... more

    3 Days Ago

  • Anchor Health | Temecula, CA

    Per Diem Music Therapist

    Anchor Health | Temecula, CA

    The Hospice Music Therapist is responsible for providing music therapy under the direction of the Clinical Director according to the patient's unique plan ... more

    4 Days Ago

  • Owens | Susanville, CA

    Per Diem Respiratory Therapist

    Owens | Susanville, CA

    Per Diem Respiratory Therapist. Owens (A Friesen Group Company) provides state-of-the-art medical equipment and supplies to patients and caregivers through... more

    4 Days Ago

  • PIH Health | Whittier, CA

    Physical Therapist Per Diem

    PIH Health | Whittier, CA

    Physical Therapist, Per Diem. The Physical Therapist provides therapeutic services to patients with impaired muscle, joint, and functional impairment in ac... more

    4 Days Ago

  • Lifemed | Chico, CA

    Per Diem Respiratory Therapist

    Lifemed | Chico, CA

    Per Diem Respiratory Therapist. Owens provides state-of-the-art medical equipment and supplies to patients and caregivers throughout the North State and th... more

    4 Days Ago

  • University of California | San Francisco, CA

    Occupational Therapist Per Diem

    University of California | San Francisco, CA

    Occupational Therapist, Per Diem | University of California San Francisco. We're excited to offer a $5,000 sign-on bonus for qualified Per Diem Occupationa... more

    4 Days Ago

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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