Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in St. Petersburg, FL: $35.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in St. Petersburg, FL runs $35.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $74,462 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against St. Petersburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,676 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For an occupational therapy assistant in St. Petersburg, the hourly wage reaches a median rate of $35.80, slightly above the national median of $35.74. This rate supports a variety of work arrangements, whether for full-time professionals or those opting for part-time shifts, typically around three days a week, or per-diem roles across diverse settings like skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, outpatient clinics, and even home health visits. The hourly earnings range from about $25.48 for entry-level positions to as much as $47.27 for top earners, indicating that there’s significant potential for growth and income variation in this field. These figures are based on annual salary data projected for 2026, showcasing the earning prospects for occupational therapy assistants in FL.
About the St. Petersburg 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) | $25.48 | $203.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.47 | $243.78 |
| Median (P50) | $35.80 | $286.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.27 | $314.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.27 | $378.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in St. Petersburg
Based on $35.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.80/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in St. Petersburg, FL can expect to earn approximately $74,461 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,958. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in St. Petersburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in St. Petersburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,431.94 | $6,205 | $74,461 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $859.16 | $3,723 | $44,676 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $572.78 | $2,482 | $29,784 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (St. Petersburg) | $35.80 |
| 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. Petersburg, FL earn a median of $74,462 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.17% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 1.00% above the Florida state average of $73,725.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.80/hr = $44,676/year (purchasing power: $44,322).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $74,461/year (purchasing power: $73,870).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.62/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.80/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in St. Petersburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.62/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.31/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.73/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.76/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in St. Petersburg grew 17.5% from $29.62/hr (2019) to $34.82/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.80/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. Petersburg 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. Petersburg
For those considering part-time work as an occupational therapy assistant in St. Petersburg, working three days a week could yield an estimated annual income; however, the trade-off comes with limited hours compared to full-time positions. Per-diem occupational therapy assistant pay in the area typically ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, allowing for flexibility while also introducing variability in income stability. Additionally, travel contracts for COTAs can offer lucrative weekly pay rates between $1,100 and $1,700, although the market has seen some changes following the 15% reimbursement cut for Medicare Part B OTA services that took effect in 2022. Hourly rates can also differ by employer type; skilled nursing facilities often provide lower rates compared to outpatient clinics or early intervention programs. Some COTAs might accept lower hourly wages for the added benefit of health insurance, whereas others may prefer higher hourly pay but without benefits. Negotiating based on the type of contract and understanding the specific workplace dynamics in St. Petersburg can provide an avenue for securing better compensation.
More salary data for St. Petersburg, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in St. Petersburg in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in St. Petersburg?
Are occupational therapy assistants in St. Petersburg paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in St. Petersburg?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in St. Petersburg?
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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. Petersburg. 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. Petersburg 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