Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Winter Park, FL: $35.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Winter Park, FL runs $35.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $73,092 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Winter Park's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,855 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Winter Park, Florida, the projected occupational therapy assistant hourly pay in 2026 stands at $35.14, which is slightly below the national median of $35.74. This rate provides a solid foundation for various employment situations. Part-time occupational therapy assistants working three days a week typically average around $28,000 per year, enabling them to maintain a work-life balance while contributing to healthcare settings such as hospital rehab units, outpatient clinics, and home health visits. As they advance in their careers, they can expect to earn between $25.77 and $42.59 per hour, allowing dedicated professionals to achieve competitive income levels based on experience and employer type. The figures presented are projected from 2025 BLS data, giving a realistic overview for those looking to enter the field in Winter Park.
About the Winter Park 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) | $25.77 | $206.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.17 | $241.40 |
| Median (P50) | $35.14 | $281.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.21 | $305.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.59 | $340.75 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Winter Park
Based on $35.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.14/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Winter Park, FL can expect to earn approximately $73,092 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,169. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Winter Park.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Winter Park
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,405.62 | $6,091 | $73,092 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $843.37 | $3,655 | $43,855 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $562.25 | $2,436 | $29,237 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Winter Park) | $35.14 |
| 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 Winter Park, FL earn a median of $73,092 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.67% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 0.80% below the Florida state average of $73,681.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.14/hr = $43,855/year (purchasing power: $43,507).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $73,092/year (purchasing power: $72,512).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.18/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Winter Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.76/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.18/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.18/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Winter Park grew 17.5% from $29.08/hr (2019) to $34.18/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.13/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 Winter Park 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 Winter Park
The earning potential for part-time occupational therapy assistants can vary significantly compared to full-time positions, with annual take-home pay significantly reduced for those working fewer hours. Per diem roles, often popular among COTAs preferring flexibility, typically range from $30 to $45 per hour. Agency contracts for travel positions can yield between $1,100 and $1,700 weekly, especially for home health agencies, where demand is high. However, compensation rates fluctuate depending on the employer; skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics may offer lower hourly rates but provide valuable health benefits. Some occupational therapy assistants may trade off higher pay for employer-sponsored health insurance, creating a complex decision-making process. For those positioning themselves within the market, honing negotiation skills is vital, especially in the current environment where hourly rates can be influenced by recent Medicare reimbursement cuts impacting the overall pay landscape in Winter Park.
More salary data for Winter Park, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Winter Park in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Winter Park?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Winter Park paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Winter Park?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Winter Park?
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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 Winter Park. 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 Winter Park 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