Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Gainesville, FL: $48.13 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Gainesville, FL runs $48.13 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $100,102 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Gainesville's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.7, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,065 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Occupational therapists in Gainesville, Florida, earn a median hourly rate of $48.13, which is slightly below the national median of $49.71. This rate offers a competitive income for those working in various environments, such as hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, and school therapy rooms. For part-time occupational therapists working three days a week, or those considering per-diem positions, this hourly pay translates into a viable income even if they are not full-time employees. In Gainesville, the hourly range can vary significantly, with entry-level therapists starting around $31.84 and top earners achieving rates as high as $54.16, based on official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.84 | $254.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.55 | $324.43 |
| Median (P50) | $48.13 | $385.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.96 | $391.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.16 | $433.26 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gainesville
Based on $48.13/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.13/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gainesville, FL can expect to earn approximately $100,108 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,755. With a cost-of-living index of 96.73 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gainesville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gainesville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,925.16 | $8,342 | $100,108 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,155.10 | $5,005 | $60,065 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $770.06 | $3,337 | $40,043 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Gainesville) | $48.13 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $33.15 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist (National Avg) | $43.80 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapists in Gainesville, FL earn a median of $100,102 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.19% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 1.20% below the Florida state average of $101,318.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.13/hr = $60,065/year (purchasing power: $62,094).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $100,108/year (purchasing power: $103,489).
CoL index: 96.733 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$38.44/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.70/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.13/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Gainesville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.44/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.36/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.23/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.70/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.13/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Gainesville grew 21.5% from $38.44/hr (2019) to $46.70/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.60/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gainesville 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 3.06% 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 Therapist in Gainesville
For those in part-time positions within Gainesville, working 24 hours each week at the median rate could result in an annual income of about $51,800, which still represents a solid earning potential compared to many professions. Per-diem occupational therapists often experience heightened income flexibility, typically billing between $50 to $75 per hour, depending on demand and their specific skill sets. In more specialized roles, such as Certified Hand Therapists (CHT), rates can climb significantly, reaching $80 to $110 per hour, especially in cash-pay practices. The working environment also influences hourly rates; for instance, therapists in home health agencies may earn differently than those in outpatient clinics or early intervention programs. While higher hourly rates are attractive, some therapists may prefer the stability that comes with lower pay but more robust benefits, like health insurance. To maximize earnings, negotiating rates based on your experience, specific qualifications, and understanding the local job market is pivotal in securing the best occupational therapist hourly pay in Gainesville.
More salary data for Gainesville, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Gainesville in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Gainesville?
Are occupational therapists in Gainesville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Gainesville?
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Written by Jordan Miller, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in occupational therapy. They specialize in pediatrics and work in a rehabilitation clinic.
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 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapists in Gainesville. 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, 7-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 3.06%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapists (SOC 29-1122).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov