Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Tampa, FL: $48.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Tampa, FL runs $48.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $100,710 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Tampa's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.9, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,425 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, occupational therapists in Tampa, Florida, are projected to earn a median hourly pay of $48.42, which is slightly below the national median of $49.71. This hourly rate is indicative of the profession's earning potential in various settings, including hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient therapy clinics, where OTs often work part-time or take per-diem assignments. For those considering part-time employment, working three days a week can lead to earnings that are consistent but variable, given that there’s a wide range from entry-level rates at $37.42 to premium rates of $55.51 for experienced professionals and specialized roles. This data comes from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.42 | $299.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.29 | $330.29 |
| Median (P50) | $48.42 | $387.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.90 | $407.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.51 | $444.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tampa
Based on $48.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.42/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tampa, FL can expect to earn approximately $100,709 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,101. With a cost-of-living index of 100.89 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tampa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tampa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,936.70 | $8,392 | $100,709 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,162.02 | $5,035 | $60,425 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $774.68 | $3,357 | $40,283 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Tampa) | $48.42 |
| 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 Tampa, FL earn a median of $100,710 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.60% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 0.60% below the Florida state average of $101,318.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.42/hr = $60,425/year (purchasing power: $59,892).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $100,709/year (purchasing power: $99,820).
CoL index: 100.89 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$41.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+19.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Tampa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.32/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.28/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.34/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Tampa grew 12.8% from $41.66/hr (2019) to $46.98/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.90/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 Tampa 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 Tampa
Working part-time as an occupational therapist in Tampa can yield significant annual income. For example, if a therapist works 24 hours across three days each week, they could take home approximately $60,254 annually, while full-time therapists generally see much higher earnings. The per diem occupational therapist pay in Tampa can vary widely, with OTs billing anywhere from $50 to $75 per hour; those with the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential can command rates as high as $80 to $110 in cash-pay practices. Employment type also causes variations in hourly earnings; OTs in skilled nursing facilities often earn less than their counterparts in outpatient clinics or hospital settings. Some professionals might opt for lower hourly wages with benefits such as health insurance, while others prefer the flexibility of higher hourly rates without benefits. In negotiations, it's crucial for hourly workers in Tampa to highlight their specialized skills and look into the demand in different settings to secure desirable pay.
More salary data for Tampa, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Tampa in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Tampa?
Are occupational therapists in Tampa paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Tampa?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Tampa?
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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 Tampa. 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