Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Orlando, FL: $35.90 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Orlando, FL runs $35.90 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $74,671 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Orlando's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.4, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,805 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Orlando, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay stands at an impressive $35.90, slightly higher than the national median of $35.74. This hourly rate provides notable opportunities for part-time employees working in diverse settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and home health visits. For those in entry-level positions, the hourly pay starts at approximately $29.60, which can rise to around $38.44 for experienced professionals at the top of the pay scale. These figures, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, indicate a favorable compensation landscape for local COTAs, enabling flexible work arrangements suited for both per diem roles and those opting for more structured positions.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.60 | $236.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.03 | $248.22 |
| Median (P50) | $35.90 | $287.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.29 | $298.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.44 | $307.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Orlando
Based on $35.90/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.90/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Orlando, FL can expect to earn approximately $74,675 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,082. With a cost-of-living index of 101.42 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Orlando.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Orlando
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,436.05 | $6,223 | $74,675 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $861.63 | $3,734 | $44,805 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $574.42 | $2,489 | $29,870 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Orlando) | $35.90 |
| 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 Orlando, FL earn a median of $74,671 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.46% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 1.30% above the Florida state average of $73,713.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.90/hr = $44,805/year (purchasing power: $44,178).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $74,675/year (purchasing power: $73,631).
CoL index: 101.418 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.90/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Orlando (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.51/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.90/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.91/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Orlando grew 19.1% from $29.32/hr (2019) to $34.92/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.91/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 Orlando 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 Orlando
Part-time occupational therapy assistants in Orlando who work three days a week, totaling 24 hours, can still achieve a significant annual income, though it will naturally be less than that of full-timers. These professionals often seek per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Orlando, which typically ranges from $30 to $45 per hour. With travel contracts paying between $1,100 to $1,700 weekly, versatility can also enhance earnings in this field, especially if one is willing to accept agency work, despite potential declines in pay rates due to reimbursement changes. The type of employer greatly influences hourly wages, varying among skilled nursing facilities, hospital inpatient rehab, school districts, outpatient clinics, and home health agencies. Many COTAs may accept lower hourly compensation for stability and benefits like health insurance, while others pursue higher hourly pay without benefits. For effective negotiations, clearly understanding the local market trends and compensation ranges is essential for making informed salary decisions.
More salary data for Orlando, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Orlando in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Orlando?
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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 Orlando. 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