Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Haines City, FL: $47.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Haines City, FL runs $47.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $98,276 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Haines City's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $46.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,972 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For those considering a career in occupational therapy within Haines City, Florida, the projected hourly pay stands at $47.25 in 2026. This figure is slightly below the national average hourly rate of $49.71. For professionals working in settings such as skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and school environments, this rate significantly influences income, particularly for part-time or per-diem roles. Part-time therapists working three days a week could expect to earn around $50,000 annually, while per-diem occupational therapists often benefit from higher hourly fees, particularly in cash-pay clinics. The hourly pay range for occupational therapists in Haines City extends from approximately $33.04 for entry-level positions to $61.51 for experienced professionals at the top of their field.
About the Haines City Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.04 | $264.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.67 | $325.34 |
| Median (P50) | $47.25 | $378.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.29 | $426.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.51 | $492.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Haines City
Based on $47.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.25/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Haines City, FL can expect to earn approximately $98,286 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,704. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Haines City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Haines City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,890.12 | $8,191 | $98,286 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,134.07 | $4,914 | $58,972 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $756.05 | $3,276 | $39,315 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Haines City) | $47.25 |
| 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 Haines City, FL earn a median of $98,276 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.96% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 3.00% below the Florida state average of $101,315.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.25/hr = $58,972/year (purchasing power: $58,504).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $98,286/year (purchasing power: $97,506).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$38.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.25/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Haines City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.82/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.70/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Haines City grew 18.1% from $38.82/hr (2019) to $45.85/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.70/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 Haines City 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 Haines City
The financial dynamics for part-time occupational therapists reveal a distinct potential for lucrative earnings compared to full-time work. For instance, an occupational therapist working 24 hours per week would find themselves earning a stable income while retaining flexibility in their schedule. Per-diem occupational therapist pay in Haines City can vary significantly; with rates commonly ranging from $50 to $75 per hour, those with specialized certifications like the CHT credential can command even more, hitting the $80 to $110 per hour mark in certain cash-based settings. Furthermore, hourly rates fluctuate based on the type of employer, with skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and clinics often offering differing rates. This creates a trade-off situation, as some therapists may prefer lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others opt for higher pay without benefits. Negotiating effectively is crucial; understanding local rates and being prepared to discuss both salary and benefits can lead to a more favorable employment situation.
More salary data for Haines City, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Haines City in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Haines City?
Are occupational therapists in Haines City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Haines City?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Haines City?
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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 Haines City. 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 Haines City 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 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