Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Hialeah, FL: $37.28 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Hialeah, FL runs $37.28 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,540 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Hialeah's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,524 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hialeah, FL, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay stands at $37.28, which is notably higher than the national hourly median of $35.74. This hourly rate allows for a viable income for part-time workers, especially those who might work three days a week, accumulating about 24 hours of work. Such employment settings typically include skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, outpatient clinics, and school therapy rooms, where COTAs often engage with individuals of varying ages and needs. The hourly pay range for occupational therapy assistants in Hialeah varies significantly, with entry-level positions earning approximately $25.07 while top earners can make as much as $47.42 per hour. These figures are based on estimated annual salary data and illustrate the potential financial landscape for those pursuing a career in this essential field.
About the Hialeah 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) | $25.07 | $200.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.72 | $245.76 |
| Median (P50) | $37.28 | $298.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.30 | $330.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.42 | $379.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hialeah
Based on $37.28/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.28/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hialeah, FL can expect to earn approximately $77,540 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,735. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Hialeah.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hialeah
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,491.16 | $6,462 | $77,540 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $894.69 | $3,877 | $46,524 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $596.46 | $2,585 | $31,016 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Hialeah) | $37.28 |
| 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 Hialeah, FL earn a median of $77,540 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.32% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 5.20% above the Florida state average of $73,708.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.28/hr = $46,524/year (purchasing power: $46,155).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,540/year (purchasing power: $76,925).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.28/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Hialeah (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.57/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.28/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.33/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Hialeah grew 17.5% from $30.85/hr (2019) to $36.26/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.33/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 Hialeah 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 Hialeah
Part-time occupational therapy assistants earning this hourly wage could expect to take home around $46,000 annually based on a three-day workweek. This can be quite favorable compared to full-time positions, though many choose to work full-time for added benefits. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Hialeah typically ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, providing flexibility for those who prefer to work on a contract basis. Travel COTAs can earn between $1,100 and $1,700 per week, bringing notable income opportunities. It's important to note, however, that after the 15% Medicare Part B cut enacted in 2022, some positions in skilled nursing facilities saw declining pay for agency COTAs. Each type of employer, whether it be a school or a home health agency, may offer different pay structures and benefits, leading COTAs to weigh their hourly rates against job security and healthcare options when negotiating pay. For those starting in this field, being informed of local pay trends and understanding the advantages and disadvantages of part-time versus full-time work can greatly benefit career advancement.
More salary data for Hialeah, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Hialeah. 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 Hialeah 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