Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Plantation, FL: $34.98 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Plantation, FL runs $34.98 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $72,748 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Plantation's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,650 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Plantation, Florida, the projected median hourly pay for occupational therapy assistants is $34.98, which is slightly below the national hourly median of $35.74. This competitive wage offers substantial opportunities for both full-time and part-time professionals in various settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, schools, outpatient clinics, and home health environments. Entry-level occupational therapy assistants can expect to earn around $26.23 per hour, while experienced professionals may reach up to $44.06 per hour. The hourly rates in Plantation reflect broader trends in the field, representing estimates derived from annual salary data and catering to both dedicated practitioners and those seeking flexibility, such as part-time roles or per-diem work.
About the Plantation 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) | $26.23 | $209.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.85 | $238.77 |
| Median (P50) | $34.98 | $279.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.90 | $311.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.06 | $352.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Plantation
Based on $34.98/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.98/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Plantation, FL can expect to earn approximately $72,750 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,971. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Plantation.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Plantation
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,399.04 | $6,063 | $72,750 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $839.42 | $3,638 | $43,650 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $559.62 | $2,425 | $29,100 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Plantation) | $34.98 |
| 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 Plantation, FL earn a median of $72,748 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.13% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.30% below the Florida state average of $73,707.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.98/hr = $43,650/year (purchasing power: $43,304).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $72,750/year (purchasing power: $72,173).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.02/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.98/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Plantation (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.62/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.23/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.53/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.02/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.98/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Plantation grew 17.5% from $28.94/hr (2019) to $34.02/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.96/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 Plantation 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 Plantation
For occupational therapy assistants considering part-time positions, working three days a week (typical for a 24-hour weekly schedule) can yield annual earnings significantly lower than those of full-time professionals, potentially affecting long-term financial stability and benefits access. In terms of per-diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Plantation, rates can range from $30 to $45 per hour depending on demand and setting, while travel contracts might offer weekly earnings between $1,100 and $1,700. However, many COTAs may accept lower hourly rates in exchange for job security and health benefits, especially in environments like skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, or school districts. When negotiating hourly rates, it's crucial to assess not just the pay but also the overall compensation package, including benefits, to ensure it aligns with career goals and personal financial needs in Plantation, FL.
More salary data for Plantation, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Plantation in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Plantation?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Plantation paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Plantation?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Plantation?
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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 Plantation. 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 Plantation 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