Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Kissimmee, FL: $35.30 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Kissimmee, FL runs $35.30 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $73,437 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Kissimmee's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,061 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kissimmee, Florida, the projected median hourly pay for occupational therapy assistants is $35.30, which is slightly below the national median of $35.74. This hourly rate presents a practical opportunity for part-time workers, particularly those on a three-day-per-week schedule, allowing them to balance their career with personal commitments. It translates into earnings that can sustain a decent lifestyle, especially when working in various clinical settings, including skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and home health. Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Kissimmee can expect to start at around $25.71 per hour, while those in more advanced positions may earn up to $43.51 per hour, reflecting a healthy range for occupational therapy assistant hourly pay in Kissimmee.
About the Kissimmee 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) | $25.71 | $205.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.56 | $236.46 |
| Median (P50) | $35.30 | $282.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.69 | $309.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.51 | $348.07 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kissimmee
Based on $35.30/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.30/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kissimmee, FL can expect to earn approximately $73,434 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,366. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Kissimmee.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kissimmee
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,412.20 | $6,120 | $73,434 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $847.32 | $3,672 | $44,061 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $564.88 | $2,448 | $29,374 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Kissimmee) | $35.30 |
| 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 Kissimmee, FL earn a median of $73,437 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.20% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 0.40% below the Florida state average of $73,732.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.30/hr = $44,061/year (purchasing power: $43,711).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $73,434/year (purchasing power: $72,851).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.22/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.30/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Kissimmee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.22/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.89/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.09/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.30/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Kissimmee grew 17.5% from $29.22/hr (2019) to $34.34/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.30/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 Kissimmee 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 Kissimmee
For a part-time occupational therapy assistant working 24 hours a week, the annual earnings differ significantly compared to a full-time counterpart, underscoring the dynamic nature of hourly pay structures. With many per diem workers often commanding rates between $30 and $45 per hour, there is potential for robust earnings depending on the shift patterns and settings. Contract opportunities for traveling COTAs can yield lucrative weekly payments, averaging between $1,100 and $1,700. Additionally, the differences in hourly rates across employer types in Kissimmee highlight the necessity for occupational therapy assistants to weigh benefits versus pay when negotiating their contracts. While some may choose positions with lower hourly rates for stable health insurance benefits, others may prefer higher pay without the security that comes with full-time employment. Practical negotiation strategies may include assessing local demand, understanding reimbursement rates impacted by policy changes like the 15% Medicare cuts, and emphasizing one's qualifications based on AOTA standards and paths to advanced credentials through COTA-to-MOT bridge programs.
More salary data for Kissimmee, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Kissimmee in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Kissimmee?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Kissimmee paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Kissimmee?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Kissimmee?
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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 Kissimmee. 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 Kissimmee 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