Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Ocala, FL: $34.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Ocala, FL runs $34.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $72,526 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Ocala's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.60 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,522 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, occupational therapy assistants in Ocala, Florida, earn a median hourly rate of $34.87, slightly below the national median of $35.74. This figure highlights the potential for various employment arrangements within the field, accommodating part-time workers who may opt to work around three days a week while benefiting from this competitive hourly pay. For per-diem occupational therapy assistants, the hourly rate can provide flexibility in different settings including skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, outpatient clinics, school therapy rooms, and home health visits. The hourly pay ranges from approximately $26.02 at the entry-level to $43.81 for top earners in the area, revealing a landscape that can also accommodate those entering the field or those leveraging experience toward higher compensation.
About the Ocala 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) | $26.02 | $208.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.39 | $243.13 |
| Median (P50) | $34.87 | $278.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.64 | $309.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.81 | $350.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ocala
Based on $34.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.87/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ocala, FL can expect to earn approximately $72,536 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,848. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Ocala.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ocala
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,394.93 | $6,045 | $72,536 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $836.96 | $3,627 | $43,522 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $557.97 | $2,418 | $29,014 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Ocala) | $34.87 |
| 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 Ocala, FL earn a median of $72,526 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.43% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.60% below the Florida state average of $73,706.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.87/hr = $43,522/year (purchasing power: $43,176).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $72,536/year (purchasing power: $71,960).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.77/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+16.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Ocala (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.77/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.79/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.43/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.85/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Ocala grew 10.2% from $30.77/hr (2019) to $33.92/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.85/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 Ocala 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 Ocala
Earning potential varies significantly for part-time occupational therapy assistants. Working just three days a week, a COTA in Ocala could bring home around $54,329 annually, contrasting sharply with full-time colleagues who see earnings closer to $72,526. The per diem and agency environments often pay between $30 to $45 per hour, with travel occupational therapy assistant contracts offering weekly pay rates that can range from $1,100 to $1,700. However, with changes in Medicare reimbursement impacting compensation levels, those in skilled nursing facilities might experience pressures on their earnings. These dynamics lead some occupational therapy assistants to accept positions with lower hourly rates for accompanying benefits like health insurance or retirement plans. For those negotiating hourly pay in Ocala, knowing the standards for various employer types—such as school districts or outpatient clinics—can be advantageous, allowing professionals to make informed decisions that align with their financial and career goals.
More salary data for Ocala, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Ocala in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Ocala?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Ocala paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Ocala?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Ocala?
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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 Ocala. 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 Ocala 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