Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Boca Raton, FL: $35.36 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Boca Raton, FL runs $35.36 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $73,531 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Boca Raton's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,125 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Boca Raton, Florida, the projected hourly pay for occupational therapy assistants is $35.36, slightly below the national median of $35.74. This competitive hourly rate provides a solid foundation for both part-time workers and those seeking per-diem opportunities. Working within various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, and outpatient clinics, the earnings can vary significantly. Entry-level positions may start at approximately $24.32 per hour, while more experienced professionals can earn up to $45.39 per hour. Those pursuing work as a per diem occupational therapy assistant in Boca Raton can find themselves earning between $30 and $45 per hour, reflecting the versatile nature of the role and the importance of experience and credentials in determining compensation.
About the Boca Raton 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) | $24.32 | $194.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.27 | $234.16 |
| Median (P50) | $35.36 | $282.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.41 | $307.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.39 | $363.12 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Boca Raton
Based on $35.36/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.36/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Boca Raton, FL can expect to earn approximately $73,541 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,428. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Boca Raton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Boca Raton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,414.25 | $6,128 | $73,541 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $848.55 | $3,677 | $44,125 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $565.70 | $2,451 | $29,416 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Boca Raton) | $35.36 |
| 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 Boca Raton, FL earn a median of $73,531 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.08% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 0.20% below the Florida state average of $73,678.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.36/hr = $44,125/year (purchasing power: $43,775).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $73,541/year (purchasing power: $72,958).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.36/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Boca Raton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.26/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.94/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.36/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.35/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Boca Raton grew 17.5% from $29.26/hr (2019) to $34.39/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.35/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 Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton
Part-time occupational therapy assistants working three days a week typically take home a significantly different annual income compared to their full-time counterparts. For instance, a COTA working 24 hours per week at the median hourly pay would earn around $44,014 annually, while a full-time employee would see a much higher salary, commensurate with full-time hours. The reality of per-diem contracts runs the gamut, with traveling COTAs receiving weekly payments that can range from $1,100 to $1,700. However, since the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut commenced in 2022, agency demand in skilled nursing facilities has indeed shifted, leading to varied hourly payments depending on employer type. COTAs might accept lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, which could be more appealing in a high-cost area such as Boca Raton. It's advisable for these practitioners to negotiate with a clear understanding of their worth, leveraging local demand and the cost of living, to advocate for competitive compensation that aligns with the evolving job market.
More salary data for Boca Raton, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Boca Raton in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Boca Raton?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Boca Raton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Boca Raton?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Boca Raton?
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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 Boca Raton. 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 Boca Raton 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