Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in North Port, FL: $35.62 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in North Port, FL runs $35.62 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $74,095 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against North Port's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.4, 2% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.78 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,458 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In North Port, Florida, the projected median hourly pay for occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) is $35.62, which is slightly below the national median hourly rate of $35.74. This pay rate is particularly significant for part-time and per-diem workers, who may occupy roles in various settings, such as skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and school therapy rooms. For someone working three days a week, it translates to a stable income while still allowing flexibility. Entry-level positions typically start at around $30.39 per hour, while experienced OTAs can earn as much as $38.43 per hour, reflecting the opportunities for growth and specialization within the field. These figures are officially sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, emphasizing the relevance of the data for current and aspiring COTAs in North Port.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.39 | $243.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.57 | $260.56 |
| Median (P50) | $35.62 | $284.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.95 | $295.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.43 | $307.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in North Port
Based on $35.62/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.62/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in North Port, FL can expect to earn approximately $74,097 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,748. With a cost-of-living index of 102.42 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in North Port.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in North Port
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,424.95 | $6,175 | $74,097 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $854.97 | $3,705 | $44,458 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $569.98 | $2,470 | $29,639 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (North Port) | $35.62 |
| 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 Port, FL earn a median of $74,095 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.32% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 0.50% above the Florida state average of $73,727.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.62/hr = $44,458/year (purchasing power: $43,409).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $74,097/year (purchasing power: $72,349).
CoL index: 102.417 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$34.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.62/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+6.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in North Port (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.30/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.70/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.84/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.76/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.99/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.62/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in North Port grew 1.0% from $34.30/hr (2019) to $34.65/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.62/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 North Port 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 Port
There are various financial considerations for occupational therapy assistants working in different capacities in North Port. A part-time OTA typically working 24 hours a week can expect to take home approximately $44,338 annually, which may be attractive compared to full-time employment. Many per-diem occupational therapy assistants in the area often bill between $30 and $45 per hour, with travel contracts offering compensation ranging from $1,100 to $1,700 per week. Nevertheless, the incentives for agency positions can vary, especially with premium pay declining in skilled nursing facilities following recent reimbursement cuts. Hourly rates may also fluctuate depending on the employer, with school districts potentially offering lower pay compared to outpatient clinics that provide higher hourly wages without additional benefits. A savvy approach to negotiation is essential; OTAs should weigh the advantages of benefits against higher pay rates that may lack health insurance and retirement contributions, tailoring their options to fit their personal and professional situations.
More salary data for North Port, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in North Port in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in North Port?
Are occupational therapy assistants in North Port paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in North Port?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in North Port?
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 North Port. 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