Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in St. Cloud, FL: $34.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in St. Cloud, FL runs $34.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $72,042 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against St. Cloud's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.36 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,227 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In St. Cloud, Florida, the hourly wage for an occupational therapy assistant is projected to be $34.64 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $35.74. This pay scale allows flexibility for those working part-time, such as a 3-day work schedule, and is particularly appealing to per-diem professionals who often operate in therapeutic settings like skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation units in hospitals, and outpatient clinics. Entry-level positions may start at around $25.44, while seasoned practitioners can earn up to $42.96 per hour, providing a clear distinction between the entry-level and top-tier earnings in this field. The hourly estimates are derived from annual salary averages, reflecting the demand for COTAs under different employer settings in St. Cloud, FL.
About the St. Cloud 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) | $25.44 | $203.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.91 | $239.26 |
| Median (P50) | $34.64 | $277.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.13 | $305.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.96 | $343.71 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in St. Cloud
Based on $34.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.64/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in St. Cloud, FL can expect to earn approximately $72,044 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,564. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in St. Cloud.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in St. Cloud
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,385.47 | $6,004 | $72,044 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $831.28 | $3,602 | $43,227 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $554.19 | $2,401 | $28,818 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (St. Cloud) | $34.64 |
| 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 St. Cloud, FL earn a median of $72,042 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.08% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 2.30% below the Florida state average of $73,738.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.64/hr = $43,227/year (purchasing power: $42,884).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $72,044/year (purchasing power: $71,473).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in St. Cloud (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.22/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.61/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in St. Cloud grew 17.5% from $28.66/hr (2019) to $33.69/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.61/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 St. Cloud 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 St. Cloud
For those considering part-time work as an occupational therapy assistant, the take-home pay for a typical 3-day work week, totaling around 24 hours, can amount to $42,680 annually, significantly less than full-time counterparts who might earn over $70,000 depending on their hours and employer. Per diem arrangements present distinctive earning potentials; these professionals can command between $30 and $45 per hour, while travel contracts often yield $1,100 to $1,700 weekly. However, health insurance and benefits often come at a trade-off— COTAs might pursue lower hourly rates that provide stability and additional perks versus higher risks with no benefits. Employing strategic negotiation tactics, local occupational therapy assistants can enhance their compensation by detailing their unique skills or requesting premium pay, especially given the ongoing fluctuating reimbursements amidst policy changes like the 15% Medicare cut.
More salary data for St. Cloud, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in St. Cloud in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in St. Cloud?
Are occupational therapy assistants in St. Cloud paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in St. Cloud?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in St. Cloud?
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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 St. Cloud. 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 St. Cloud 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