Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Lakeland, FL: $32.70 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Lakeland, FL runs $32.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,019 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Lakeland's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.67 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,814 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Lakeland, Florida, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected to be $32.70 in 2026, which is slightly lower than the national median hourly rate of $35.74. This disparity may impact part-time professionals and per-diem occupational therapy assistants, particularly those working in diverse environments such as skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, or schools. For those opting for part-time schedules—around three days a week—this hourly rate still provides a solid foundation for income, while also allowing flexibility and a work-life balance. The hourly pay ranges from approximately $29.42 for entry-level positions to $37.43 for top earners, reflecting offerings for different skill levels and clinical settings. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, present a comprehensive view of what to expect in the profession during the upcoming year.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.42 | $235.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.21 | $249.70 |
| Median (P50) | $32.70 | $261.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.43 | $291.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.43 | $299.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lakeland
Based on $32.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.70/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lakeland, FL can expect to earn approximately $68,024 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,245. With a cost-of-living index of 97.14 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lakeland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lakeland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,308.15 | $5,669 | $68,024 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $784.89 | $3,401 | $40,814 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $523.26 | $2,267 | $27,210 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Lakeland) | $32.70 |
| 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 Lakeland, FL earn a median of $68,019 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.49% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 7.70% below the Florida state average of $73,693.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.70/hr = $40,814/year (purchasing power: $42,016).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,024/year (purchasing power: $70,026).
CoL index: 97.141 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.14/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.81/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.70/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+8.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Lakeland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.14/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.43/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.81/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.70/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Lakeland grew 2.2% from $31.14/hr (2019) to $31.81/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.62/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 Lakeland 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 Lakeland
When considering part-time work, an occupational therapy assistant in Lakeland can expect an annual take-home pay that significantly varies depending on hours worked. For a three-day work schedule totaling 24 hours a week, one could expect to earn around $51,456 annually, allowing for a substantial income while maintaining a flexible lifestyle. Moreover, per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Lakeland often ranges between $30 and $45 per hour, with travel contracts offering lucrative weekly compensation of $1,100 to $1,700, although reimbursement cuts might have affected some markets. Hourly earnings can fluctuate based on the type of employer; occupational therapy assistants may find higher rates in outpatient settings or with school contracts while risking lower rates in agencies that do not provide benefits. With this variability, it's crucial for practitioners to consider their priorities: higher hourly pay without insurance versus stable pay with benefits. As such, developing strong negotiation skills can also play a key role in ensuring a satisfactory income in this field.
More salary data for Lakeland, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Lakeland in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Lakeland?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Lakeland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Lakeland?
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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 Lakeland. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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