Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in West Palm Beach, FL: $36.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in West Palm Beach, FL runs $36.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $74,965 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against West Palm Beach's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.76 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,984 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In West Palm Beach, occupational therapy assistants can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $36.05, which slightly surpasses the national median of $35.74. This hourly wage provides a solid foundation for both full-time and part-time positions, particularly for those working in various environments like skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and home health visits. For part-time workers putting in three days a week, this hourly pay translates to a reliable income while still allowing for flexibility. Additionally, those in entry-level positions may earn around $25.12 per hour, while experienced occupational therapy assistants can command rates as high as $45.83 per hour, illustrating a significant range of earning potential across the profession.
About the West Palm Beach 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) | $25.12 | $200.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.19 | $241.48 |
| Median (P50) | $36.05 | $288.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.21 | $321.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.83 | $366.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in West Palm Beach
Based on $36.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.05/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in West Palm Beach, FL can expect to earn approximately $74,974 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,254. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in West Palm Beach.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in West Palm Beach
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,441.81 | $6,248 | $74,974 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $865.08 | $3,749 | $44,984 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $576.72 | $2,499 | $29,990 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (West Palm Beach) | $36.05 |
| 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 West Palm Beach, FL earn a median of $74,965 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.85% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 1.70% above the Florida state average of $73,712.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.05/hr = $44,984/year (purchasing power: $44,627).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $74,974/year (purchasing power: $74,379).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.83/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in West Palm Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.83/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.52/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.16/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.03/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in West Palm Beach grew 17.5% from $29.83/hr (2019) to $35.06/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.06/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 West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach
For COTAs opting for part-time work, a schedule of 24 hours weekly can lead to an annual take-home that differs from a full-time salary. This arrangement often appeals to those seeking flexibility or pursuing advanced education, like COTA-to-MOT bridge programs. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in West Palm Beach typically ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, with travel contracts offering weekly salaries between $1,100 and $1,700. However, the landscape has changed since the 15% Medicare cut in 2022, impacting rates in skilled nursing facilities and outpatient therapy. Additionally, hourly rates can vary significantly based on employment settings; for instance, those employed in school districts or early intervention programs may have different compensation dynamics compared to outpatient clinics. Benefits often play a role in negotiating salaries—COTAs might accept lower hourly wages in exchange for health insurance or other benefits, making negotiation skills vital for prospective candidates seeking the best combinations of pay and perks in Florida’s competitive job market.
More salary data for West Palm Beach, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in West Palm Beach in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in West Palm Beach?
Are occupational therapy assistants in West Palm Beach paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in West Palm Beach?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in West Palm Beach?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Florida
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 West Palm Beach. 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 West Palm Beach 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