Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Key West, FL: $34.91 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Key West, FL runs $34.91 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $72,623 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Key West's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,573 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Key West, Florida, the projected median occupational therapy assistant hourly pay in 2026 is set at $34.91, slightly below the national median of $35.74. This pay rate reflects the financial landscape for professionals working in diverse settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, outpatient clinics, and schools. For those considering part-time positions—let’s say working three days a week—this hourly rate translates to a sustainable income, but it's essential to consider the hourly range the job offers, where entry-level professionals earn around $25.09 per hour and top earners can potentially reach $40.64 per hour. These insights indicate that hourly wages in Key West are competitive, yet still shaped by local demand and cost of living differences, which sits slightly above the national average with a Cost of Living Index of 100.8.
About the Key West 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) | $25.09 | $200.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.70 | $237.61 |
| Median (P50) | $34.91 | $279.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.69 | $301.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.64 | $325.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Key West
Based on $34.91/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.91/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Key West, FL can expect to earn approximately $72,622 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,897. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Key West.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Key West
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,396.57 | $6,052 | $72,622 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $837.94 | $3,631 | $43,573 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $558.63 | $2,421 | $29,049 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Key West) | $34.91 |
| 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 Key West, FL earn a median of $72,623 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.30% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.50% below the Florida state average of $73,729.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.91/hr = $43,573/year (purchasing power: $43,227).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $72,622/year (purchasing power: $72,045).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.91/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Key West (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.56/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.48/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.47/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.91/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Key West grew 17.5% from $28.89/hr (2019) to $33.96/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.90/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 Key West 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 Key West
Taking a closer look at part-time earning potential, an occupational therapy assistant working 24 hours per week might earn approximately $43,044 annually, significantly less than full-time counterparts but still a viable option for many. For those pursuing per diem roles, the compensation often ranges between $30 to $45 per hour, creating flexibility in scheduling while varying based on the employer type. While skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics may offer steady roles, agency settings may provide higher pay, though this fluctuated post-2022 due to changes in reimbursement structures. Still, some occupational therapy assistants might prioritize positions with benefits, accepting lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance. As negotiations unfold, emphasizing skills and local knowledge in Key West can be advantageous; understanding the unique needs of practices here may allow for improved compensation discussions while navigating the distinctive market dynamics of occupational therapy assistant hourly pay in FL.
More salary data for Key West, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Key West in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Key West?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Key West paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Key West?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Key West?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Florida
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 Key West. 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 Key West 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