Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in North Miami, FL: $35.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in North Miami, FL runs $35.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $73,047 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against North Miami's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,830 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In North Miami, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected to be $35.12 in 2026, slightly below the national median hourly rate of $35.74. This competitive wage allows for various employment configurations, including full-time, part-time, and per-diem roles across settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, schools, outpatient clinics, and home health visits. For those working part-time, with a schedule of three days per week, the earnings are substantial and can be adaptable for individual needs. The hourly pay ranges from $23.79 for entry-level positions up to $42.39 for top earners, highlighting the opportunities for financial growth within the profession in North Miami.
About the North Miami 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) | $23.79 | $190.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.90 | $247.24 |
| Median (P50) | $35.12 | $280.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.88 | $303.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.39 | $339.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in North Miami
Based on $35.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.12/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in North Miami, FL can expect to earn approximately $73,049 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,144. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in North Miami.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in North Miami
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,404.80 | $6,087 | $73,049 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $842.88 | $3,652 | $43,830 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $561.92 | $2,435 | $29,220 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (North Miami) | $35.12 |
| 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 Miami, FL earn a median of $73,047 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.73% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 0.90% below the Florida state average of $73,710.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.12/hr = $43,830/year (purchasing power: $43,482).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $73,049/year (purchasing power: $72,470).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.16/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in North Miami (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.17/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.16/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.11/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in North Miami grew 17.5% from $29.06/hr (2019) to $34.16/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.11/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 Miami 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 Miami
Exploring the part-time earning potential of a 24-hour workweek, occupational therapy assistants can take home around $43,648 annually, which contrasts sharply with the income of their full-time counterparts. Per diem positions are common in this field, often offering rates between $30 and $45 per hour, allowing for flexibility but with variability in income stability. Additionally, travel contracts for this role can yield between $1,100 and $1,700 weekly, although those seeking contracts must consider the effects of the 15% Medicare cut imposed in 2022 on SNF compensation. Hourly rates differ significantly across employer types in North Miami, where skilled nursing facilities may offer lower pay due to budget constraints, while outpatient clinics and early intervention programs might provide higher compensation but require negotiation skills. Understanding this balance between benefits and hourly rates is crucial; some occupational therapy assistants may choose positions with lower hourly wages in exchange for health benefits, while others opt for higher hourly pay with no additional perks. Negotiation strategies, informed by local industry standards and budgetary realities, can significantly affect hourly outcomes for aspiring COTAs in North Miami.
More salary data for North Miami, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in North Miami in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in North Miami?
Are occupational therapy assistants in North Miami paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in North Miami?
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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 Miami. 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 Miami 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