Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in St. Cloud, FL: $47.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in St. Cloud, FL runs $47.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $99,018 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against St. Cloud's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,409 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in St. Cloud, Florida, command a median hourly pay of $47.60, which reflects a notable variance when compared to the national median of $49.71. This hourly rate can be quite accommodating for part-time workers, such as those who may choose to work three days a week in settings like skilled nursing facilities or outpatient therapy clinics. The hourly range for occupational therapists spans from $35.08 at the entry level to $62.55 for seasoned professionals, providing ample opportunities for individuals seeking flexibility in their work schedules, whether through part-time engagements or per-diem assignments. These figures are based on estimates derived from annual salary data, allowing prospective therapists to gauge their earning potential within the local market while considering both full-time and per-diem roles.
About the St. Cloud 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) | $35.08 | $280.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.63 | $317.01 |
| Median (P50) | $47.60 | $380.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.64 | $445.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.55 | $500.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in St. Cloud
Based on $47.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.60/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in St. Cloud, FL can expect to earn approximately $99,015 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,124. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in St. Cloud.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in St. Cloud
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,904.14 | $8,251 | $99,015 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,142.48 | $4,951 | $59,409 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $761.65 | $3,301 | $39,606 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (St. Cloud) | $47.60 |
| 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 St. Cloud, FL earn a median of $99,018 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.24% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 2.30% below the Florida state average of $101,349.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.60/hr = $59,409/year (purchasing power: $58,938).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $99,015/year (purchasing power: $98,229).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$39.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in St. Cloud (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.11/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in St. Cloud grew 18.1% from $39.11/hr (2019) to $46.19/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.06/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 St. Cloud 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 St. Cloud
When considering part-time work of about 24 hours per week, an occupational therapist in St. Cloud could earn approximately $59,600 annually, significantly less than a full-time position but still providing a functional income for part-time professionals. Per diem occupational therapist pay in St. Cloud varies widely, often ranging between $50 and $75 per hour, with specialty roles—like certified hand therapists—charging $80 to $110 per hour for cash-pay practices. Various employer types in St. Cloud, including mental health facilities and early intervention programs, may offer different pay structures, impacting overall earnings. While some occupational therapists might accept lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits, such as healthcare coverage, others might prefer higher pay for agency or locum tenens positions with no benefits. For those engaged in hourly negotiations, it is beneficial to understand local market rates and emphasize skills or specializations that align with current needs in St. Cloud's healthcare environment.
More salary data for St. Cloud, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in St. Cloud in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in St. Cloud?
Are occupational therapists in St. Cloud paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in St. Cloud?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in St. Cloud?
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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 St. Cloud. 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 St. Cloud 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