Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Punta Gorda, FL: $35.98 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Punta Gorda, FL runs $35.98 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $74,846 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Punta Gorda's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.80 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,907 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Punta Gorda, occupational therapy assistants earn a median hourly rate of $35.98, slightly surpassing the national average of $35.74. This competitive wage allows for a solid income whether one is working part-time, typically three days a week, or as a per-diem employee in varied settings like skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics. The hourly pay can vary significantly; entry-level positions see earnings starting at approximately $30.69, while experienced professionals can command up to $40.57. With official Bureau of Labor Statistics data indicating these figures for 2026 estimates based on 2025 BLS data, the range reflects the potential for COTAs to earn a respectable income in Punta Gorda, tailored to their availability and working preferences.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.69 | $245.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.16 | $265.25 |
| Median (P50) | $35.98 | $287.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.63 | $293.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.57 | $324.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Punta Gorda
Based on $35.98/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.98/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Punta Gorda, FL can expect to earn approximately $74,846 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,180. With a cost-of-living index of 100.53 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Punta Gorda.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Punta Gorda
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,439.34 | $6,237 | $74,846 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $863.60 | $3,742 | $44,907 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $575.74 | $2,495 | $29,938 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Punta Gorda) | $35.98 |
| 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 Punta Gorda, FL earn a median of $74,846 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.69% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 1.50% above the Florida state average of $73,740.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.98/hr = $44,907/year (purchasing power: $44,673).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $74,846/year (purchasing power: $74,455).
CoL index: 100.525 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.93/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.98/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+15.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Punta Gorda (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.93/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.88/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.10/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.98/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.99/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Punta Gorda grew 9.6% from $31.93/hr (2019) to $35.00/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.99/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 Punta Gorda 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 Punta Gorda
Part-time occupational therapy assistants working 24 hours a week can take home a significant amount annually, though it might be less than their full-time counterparts. For example, working at an hourly rate can yield a yearly income that varies, but those in per-diem positions or agency contracts may earn between $30 and $45 hourly, depending on the specific job role and facility. Travel contracts can be more lucrative, fetching $1,100 to $1,700 weekly; however, the premium pay offered in skilled nursing facilities has decreased post-2022 reimbursement cuts. Hourly rates can differ across employer types, with school district contracts or outpatient clinics often providing different compensation levels compared to home health agencies. This variability provides COTAs with choices: higher hourly wages without benefits may appeal to some, while others may prefer stability with lower pay that includes health insurance. As negotiating offers can be advantageous, understanding these dynamics in Punta Gorda is key for occupational therapy assistants seeking to make informed career choices.
More salary data for Punta Gorda, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Punta Gorda in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Punta Gorda?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Punta Gorda paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Punta Gorda?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Punta Gorda?
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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 Punta Gorda. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 3-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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