Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Naples, FL: $38.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Naples, FL runs $38.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,873 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Naples's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $37.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,923 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Naples, Florida, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay stands at a competitive $38.40, surpassing the national median of $35.74 by a notable margin. This elevated hourly rate reflects the vibrant job market and demand for occupational therapy assistants in various settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, and outpatient clinics. For part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, this translates into significant weekly earnings, allowing them to make good use of flexible scheduling in their professional lives. Per-diem opportunities also exist, with rates typically fluctuating between $30 and $40 per hour, depending on the setting and demand. The hourly wage range in Naples spans from $31.17 at the lower tenth percentile to $40.53 at the upper ninetieth percentile, ensuring that there are ample opportunities for varying levels of experience and specialization within the field.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.17 | $249.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.14 | $281.12 |
| Median (P50) | $38.40 | $307.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.22 | $313.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.53 | $324.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Naples
Based on $38.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.40/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Naples, FL can expect to earn approximately $79,871 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,079. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Naples.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Naples
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,535.98 | $6,656 | $79,871 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $921.59 | $3,994 | $47,923 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $614.39 | $2,662 | $31,948 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Naples) | $38.40 |
| 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 Naples, FL earn a median of $79,873 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.45% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 8.40% above the Florida state average of $73,684.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.40/hr = $47,923/year (purchasing power: $46,437).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,871/year (purchasing power: $77,394).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$32.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Naples (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.47/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.22/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Naples grew 13.9% from $32.78/hr (2019) to $37.35/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.48/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 Naples 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 Naples
Another essential aspect to consider when evaluating occupational therapy assistant pay in Naples is the impact of work arrangements on annual income. For an occupational therapy assistant working part-time at 24 hours per week, this results in an annual income of approximately $47,942, which is a significant contrast to full-time earnings. Meanwhile, per-diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Naples can vary widely, with agency professionals being especially affected by fluctuating demand; agency rates may start as low as $30 an hour but can climb significantly for travel and specialty positions, often reaching between $1,100 and $1,700 weekly. Compensation disparities can arise based on the type of employer: while skilled nursing facilities may offer lower hourly rates due to the impact of the 15% Medicare Part B reimbursement cut that took effect in 2022, outpatient clinics and home health agencies might compensate better. Some occupational therapy assistants opt for jobs with lower hourly rates in exchange for health benefits, highlighting an important trade-off when negotiating pay in Naples. Those looking to secure the best pay should come prepared with data on current market trends, emphasizing their skills and experience, and be ready to discuss the value they bring to potential employers.
More salary data for Naples, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Naples in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Naples?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Naples paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Naples?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Naples?
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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 Naples. 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