Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Delray Beach, FL: $35.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Delray Beach, FL runs $35.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $73,899 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Delray Beach's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.25 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,343 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay in Delray Beach, FL, stands at $35.53, slightly below the national median of $35.74. This rate offers flexibility for part-time workers, particularly those considering 3-day work weeks, allowing for manageable schedules in various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and home health visits. For entry-level occupational therapy assistants, the hourly pay starts around $24.74, while top earners can reach as high as $45.88. These estimates are derived from projected annual salary data, indicating a solid economic landscape for occupational therapy assistants in the region.
About the Delray Beach 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) | $24.74 | $197.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.99 | $247.90 |
| Median (P50) | $35.53 | $284.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.09 | $304.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.88 | $367.07 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Delray Beach
Based on $35.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.53/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Delray Beach, FL can expect to earn approximately $73,905 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,637. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Delray Beach.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Delray Beach
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,421.25 | $6,159 | $73,905 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $852.75 | $3,695 | $44,343 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $568.50 | $2,463 | $29,562 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Delray Beach) | $35.53 |
| 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 Delray Beach, FL earn a median of $73,899 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.58% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 0.30% above the Florida state average of $73,678.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.53/hr = $44,343/year (purchasing power: $43,991).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $73,905/year (purchasing power: $73,318).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.56/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Delray Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.03/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.56/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Delray Beach grew 17.5% from $29.40/hr (2019) to $34.56/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.53/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 Delray Beach 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 Delray Beach
Focusing on the financial dynamics of part-time occupational therapy assistants reveals notable earning potential. A 3-day work schedule, totaling approximately 24 hours a week, can yield an annual take-home comparable to that of full-time positions, contingent upon work settings and whether benefits are included. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Delray Beach typically ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, with travel contracts providing $1,100 to $1,700 a week, a considerable incentive despite the recent decrease in premium pay following the 15% Medicare Part B cut affecting OTA-provided services. The hourly rates can vary based on employer types; skilled nursing facilities may offer different rates compared to outpatient clinics or early intervention programs. COTAs often find themselves weighed down by the choice between lower hourly rates without benefits versus higher hourly earnings with health insurance. Negotiating hourly pay in the local market may involve emphasizing experience and specialized training, particularly as pathways like COTA-to-MOT programs become more prevalent in the field.
More salary data for Delray Beach, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Delray Beach in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Delray Beach?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Delray Beach paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Delray Beach?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Delray Beach?
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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 Delray Beach. 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 Delray Beach 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