Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Wellington, FL: $34.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Wellington, 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 Wellington'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 Wellington, Florida, occupational therapy assistants are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $34.64 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $35.74. For those considering part-time work or per diem positions, this hourly pay translates well into flexible job opportunities, allowing assistants to work in diverse environments such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, and outpatient clinics. For part-time assistants working three days a week, earning a wage around this median can create a sustainable income while balancing other commitments. Typically, pay varies significantly from entry-level positions earning approximately $25.44 to seasoned professionals capable of commanding up to $44.23 per hour, reflecting the scope and complexity of the services they provide under Occupational Therapy supervision.
About the Wellington 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) | $38.89 | $311.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.23 | $353.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wellington
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 Wellington, 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 Wellington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wellington
| 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 (Wellington) | $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 Wellington, 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 Wellington (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 Wellington 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 Wellington 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 Wellington
Considering the part-time figures, a 24-hour work week could yield approximately $54,220 annually for occupational therapy assistants, significantly less than a full-time schedule yet showcasing the potential for workers to manage their own hours. Per diem arrangements have become increasingly common, with pay rates typically ranging between $30 and $45 per hour, providing flexibility for those who prefer short-term assignments. Additionally, travel contracts can offer lucrative opportunities, often billing around $1,100 to $1,700 weekly, although salaries can fluctuate due to factors like the 15% Medicare cut implemented in 2022, which affected reimbursements in skilled nursing facilities and outpatient settings. In Wellington, hourly rates can differ across employer types, with job seekers weighing the benefits of consistent pay against variables such as job security and health insurance options. Negotiation strategies are crucial for COTAs in this market, where seeking clarity on benefits and possible increases based on experience could lead to favorable outcomes in hourly compensation.
More salary data for Wellington, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Wellington in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Wellington?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Wellington paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Wellington?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Wellington?
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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 Wellington. 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 Wellington 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