Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in North Lauderdale, FL: $34.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in North Lauderdale, FL runs $34.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $71,502 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against North Lauderdale's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.11 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,906 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay in North Lauderdale, Florida is projected to be $34.38, which comes in slightly below the national hourly median of $35.74. This hourly rate suggests that those working part-time, such as in skilled nursing facilities or outpatient clinics, can expect to earn approximately $2,200 working three days a week for 24 hours. For per-diem occupational therapy assistants, who often work in diverse settings like hospital rehab units and home health visits, the compensation typically ranges from $23.95 to $40.11 per hour. This aligns with the broader Florida market, where the earning potential varies significantly from entry-level positions to those at the upper end of the pay range represented by more experienced professionals. In North Lauderdale, about seven occupational therapy assistants currently serve the community, influenced by the local cost of living index, which stands at 100.8, indicating a slightly higher-than-average living expense.
About the North Lauderdale 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) | $23.95 | $191.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.68 | $245.43 |
| Median (P50) | $34.38 | $275.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.53 | $292.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.11 | $320.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in North Lauderdale
Based on $34.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.38/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in North Lauderdale, FL can expect to earn approximately $71,510 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,256. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in North Lauderdale.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in North Lauderdale
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,375.19 | $5,959 | $71,510 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $825.11 | $3,575 | $42,906 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $550.07 | $2,384 | $28,604 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (North Lauderdale) | $34.38 |
| 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 North Lauderdale, FL earn a median of $71,502 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.81% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 3.00% below the Florida state average of $73,714.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.38/hr = $42,906/year (purchasing power: $42,565).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $71,510/year (purchasing power: $70,942).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in North Lauderdale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.45/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.11/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.72/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.35/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in North Lauderdale grew 17.5% from $28.45/hr (2019) to $33.44/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.35/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 North Lauderdale 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 North Lauderdale
For those considering part-time work, the earning potential over a year for a 3-day workweek translates to about $36,000 in annual income, compared to a full-time position that may yield close to $71,502 annually. In the per-diem scenario, occupational therapy assistants can expect to bill anywhere from $30 to $45 an hour, with travel contracts often netting $1,100 to $1,700 a week. However, agency positions in skilled nursing facilities may face reduced pay due to recent reimbursement cuts impacting therapy services. Employment opportunities vary by setting, with hourly rates typically influenced by the type of employer. For instance, working in outpatient clinics or school districts may offer less lucrative pay but often come with health insurance benefits—a trade-off some COTAs are willing to make. Negotiating strategies for hourly workers in North Lauderdale can focus on emphasizing skill sets, flexibility, and a willingness to adapt to varying work environments, which can help secure a higher hourly rate.
More salary data for North Lauderdale, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in North Lauderdale in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in North Lauderdale?
Are occupational therapy assistants in North Lauderdale paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in North Lauderdale?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in North Lauderdale?
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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 North Lauderdale. 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 North Lauderdale 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