Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Largo, FL: $35.75 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Largo, FL runs $35.75 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $74,359 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Largo's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.46 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,612 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Largo, Florida, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected to be $35.75 in 2026, which positions it slightly above the national hourly median of $35.74. This figure reflects the earning potential for both full-time and part-time COTAs, providing flexible options for professionals seeking to balance work and personal commitments. For those working part-time, such as a three-day work week, the hourly earnings can lead to significant take-home pay while still allowing for personal time or additional employment. Entry-level assistants may expect to start around $25.25, while more experienced professionals can command hourly rates as high as $43.05, accommodating a range of skills and responsibilities. The work settings for COTAs in Largo typically include skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and even home health visits, where their contributions are essential for patient rehabilitation.
About the Largo 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) | $25.25 | $202.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.09 | $240.74 |
| Median (P50) | $35.75 | $285.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.61 | $308.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.05 | $344.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Largo
Based on $35.75/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.75/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Largo, FL can expect to earn approximately $74,354 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,896. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Largo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Largo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,429.88 | $6,196 | $74,354 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $857.93 | $3,718 | $44,612 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $571.95 | $2,478 | $29,742 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Largo) | $35.75 |
| 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 Largo, FL earn a median of $74,359 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.04% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 0.90% above the Florida state average of $73,696.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.75/hr = $44,612/year (purchasing power: $44,258).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $74,354/year (purchasing power: $73,764).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.58/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.77/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.75/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Largo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.58/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.69/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.23/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.77/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.75/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Largo grew 17.5% from $29.58/hr (2019) to $34.77/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.75/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 Largo 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 Largo
When considering part-time work, a three-day commitment at this hourly rate allows a COTA to earn about $52,800 annually, which is competitive compared to full-time equivalent options. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Largo, which tends to range from $30 to $45 per hour, can provide an even more significant cash flow for those willing to adapt to varying schedules. It’s essential to recognize that while skilled nursing facilities may offer competitive rates, the funding cuts implemented by Medicare in 2022 have impacted pay rates across the board, especially in outpatient and SNF environments. In Largo, different employer types may show varied compensation structures; thus, it can be beneficial to evaluate the trade-offs between hourly pay and benefits, such as health insurance, that certain positions may offer. For those negotiating pay in this competitive market, focusing on relevant experience and specialized skills can be key in securing more favorable hourly rates.
More salary data for Largo, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Largo in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Largo?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Largo paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Largo?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Largo?
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 Largo. 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 Largo 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