Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Palm Coast, FL: $48.71 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Palm Coast, FL runs $48.71 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,305 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Palm Coast's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,785 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Palm Coast, Florida, the projected hourly rate for occupational therapists in 2026 stands at $48.71, which is slightly lower than the national median of $49.71. This rate provides a clear picture of what professionals can expect, particularly those working part-time or in per-diem roles, commonly found in rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities, clinics, and educational settings. For occupational therapists working three days a week, this hourly rate translates into solid earnings, while full-time and per diem workers can expect to navigate a pay range between $33.82 for entry-level positions and as high as $66.34 for seasoned professionals. These figures, based on annual salary projections, indicate a robust earning potential in the diverse practice environments in Palm Coast.
About the Palm Coast 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) | $33.82 | $270.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.96 | $311.65 |
| Median (P50) | $48.71 | $389.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.30 | $442.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66.34 | $530.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Palm Coast
Based on $48.71/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.71/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Palm Coast, FL can expect to earn approximately $101,309 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,447. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Palm Coast.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Palm Coast
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,948.25 | $8,442 | $101,309 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,168.95 | $5,065 | $60,785 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $779.30 | $3,377 | $40,524 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Palm Coast) | $48.71 |
| 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 Palm Coast, FL earn a median of $101,305 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.03% lower than the national median of $103,400.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.71/hr = $60,785/year (purchasing power: $60,303).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,309/year (purchasing power: $100,505).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$40.02/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.71/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Palm Coast (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.02/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.59/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.71/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Palm Coast grew 18.1% from $40.02/hr (2019) to $47.26/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.20/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 Palm Coast 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 Palm Coast
Exploring the earning potential for occupational therapists who work part-time reveals that those on a 3-day work week can realistically anticipate around $61,825 annually, considerably lower than full-time earnings but still substantial for a flexible schedule. Per-diem occupational therapist pay in Palm Coast typically ranges from $50 to $75 per hour, offering an attractive pathway for those looking at short-term assignments. Highly specialized CHT-credentialed hand therapists may earn between $80 and $110 per hour, particularly in cash-pay settings, and travel OT contracts command weekly rates from $1,800 to $2,800. Variations in hourly rates across different employer types reflect the dynamics of healthcare settings in Palm Coast; for instance, skilled nursing facilities and school contracts often offer lower hourly pay than outpatient clinics. Some therapists may opt for positions with lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance. When negotiating hourly pay, it is crucial for professionals in the area to highlight their specific skills and specializations, as well as to assess the trade-offs of compensation versus benefits.
More salary data for Palm Coast, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Palm Coast in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Palm Coast?
Are occupational therapists in Palm Coast paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Palm Coast?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Palm Coast?
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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 Palm Coast. 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 Palm Coast 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