Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Apopka, FL: $34.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Apopka, FL runs $34.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $72,463 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Apopka's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.57 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,483 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Apopka, FL, the projected hourly wage for an occupational therapy assistant is estimated at $34.84, slightly below the national median of $35.74. This competitive pay reflects the vital role COTAs play in various settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and home health visits. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, the hourly rate can translate to a steady income, bringing real value to flexible work arrangements. The hourly range spans from $25.95 for entry-level positions to $44.98 for experienced professionals, showcasing the potential for upward mobility in this career. These numbers are derived from comprehensive annual salary estimates adjusted to reflect hourly earnings, providing a comprehensive overview of what COTAs can expect in Apopka.
About the Apopka Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.95 | $207.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.33 | $242.63 |
| Median (P50) | $34.84 | $278.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.24 | $297.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.98 | $359.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Apopka
Based on $34.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.84/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Apopka, FL can expect to earn approximately $72,472 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,811. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Apopka.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Apopka
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,393.69 | $6,039 | $72,472 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $836.22 | $3,624 | $43,483 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $557.48 | $2,416 | $28,989 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Apopka) | $34.84 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Apopka, FL earn a median of $72,463 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.51% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.70% below the Florida state average of $73,716.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.84/hr = $43,483/year (purchasing power: $43,138).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $72,472/year (purchasing power: $71,897).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.83/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.89/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Apopka (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.83/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.50/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.94/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.12/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.40/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.89/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.82/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Apopka grew 17.5% from $28.83/hr (2019) to $33.89/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.82/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapy assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Apopka 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 2.81% 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 Therapy Assistant in Apopka
Exploring earning potential further reveals interesting dynamics for occupational therapy assistants in the local job market. Part-time practitioners, working around 24 hours a week, would take home significantly less annually compared to their full-time counterparts, making it critical to assess financial goals before committing to part-time roles. For per-diem occupational therapy assistants in Apopka, pay can range from $30 to $45 per hour, with travel contracts offering weekly rates between $1,100 and $1,700. However, with the recent 15% Medicare reimbursement cut affecting service reimbursement for COTAs since 2022, pay in skilled nursing facilities and outpatient settings has notably pressured rates. Hourly compensation can vary across employer types—those working in early intervention programs or school districts may find more stable pay versus agency roles, which might offer higher rates without benefits. Freelance and per-diem COTAs should prioritize negotiation strategies that balance hourly rates with benefits, particularly when deciding between lower rates with health insurance coverage or higher pay without benefits.
More salary data for Apopka, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Apopka in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Apopka?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Apopka paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Apopka?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Apopka?
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Written by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as an occupational therapist. Their specialty is working with children with developmental disorders. They have worked in various healthcare settings including schools and rehabilitation facilities.
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 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapy assistants in Apopka. 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 Apopka 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 2.81%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapy assistants (SOC 31-2011).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapy assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov