Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Ocoee, FL: $33.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Ocoee, FL runs $33.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,587 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Ocoee's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.67 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,354 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ocoee, Florida, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay stands at $33.94, which is slightly lower than the national hourly median of $35.74. This rate has significant implications for those considering part-time or per-diem work in various healthcare settings like skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, and outpatient clinics. For part-time occupational therapy assistants working three days a week, this translates to about $26,000 in annual earnings, while the hourly wage range varies from $25.73 for entry-level positions up to $40.92 for the more experienced practitioners. The estimates presented are derived from annual salary data, tailored to reflect the working climate in Ocoee.
About the Ocoee 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) | $25.73 | $205.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.75 | $238.03 |
| Median (P50) | $33.94 | $271.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.76 | $294.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.92 | $327.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ocoee
Based on $33.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.94/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ocoee, FL can expect to earn approximately $70,590 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,725. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Ocoee.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ocoee
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,357.50 | $5,883 | $70,590 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $814.50 | $3,530 | $42,354 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $543.00 | $2,353 | $28,236 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Ocoee) | $33.94 |
| 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 Ocoee, FL earn a median of $70,587 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.04% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 4.20% below the Florida state average of $73,682.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.94/hr = $42,354/year (purchasing power: $42,018).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,590/year (purchasing power: $70,030).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.01/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Ocoee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.18/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.01/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.89/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Ocoee grew 17.5% from $28.08/hr (2019) to $33.01/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.89/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 Ocoee 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 Ocoee
Potential earnings for part-time occupational therapy assistants in Ocoee reveal a stark contrast between those who choose a traditional schedule and their full-time counterparts. A part-time COTA may only earn around $26,000 annually compared to a full-time worker's significantly higher take-home, reflecting the financial trade-offs embedded in the profession today. Per diem opportunities present an exciting alternative, with COTAs typically billing between $30 and $45 per hour, while travel contracts can yield impressive compensation of $1,100 to $1,700 weekly. However, post-2022 reimbursement cuts have affected premium pay in skilled nursing facilities. Factors influencing hourly pay include the type of employer; skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and school districts may offer differing compensation levels. Additionally, many occupational therapy assistants must weigh the benefits of health insurance against higher hourly wages without benefits. In negotiations, it can be beneficial for hourly workers to reference these variances while asserting competitive pay based on the 2026 projections in Ocoee.
More salary data for Ocoee, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Ocoee in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Ocoee?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Ocoee paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Ocoee?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Ocoee?
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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 Ocoee. 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 Ocoee 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