Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Melbourne, FL: $49.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Melbourne, FL runs $49.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $103,425 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Melbourne's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $49.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,059 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy professionals in Melbourne, FL earn a median hourly pay of $49.73, which slightly surpasses the national hourly median of $49.71. This competitive rate allows occupational therapists to enjoy a work-life balance whether they choose to work part-time, for example three days a week, or as per-diem staff. The hourly wage ranges from $35.56 for entry-level positions to $64.04 for top earners in the field, offering a clear trajectory for career advancement. The salary figures are estimates projected from annual salary data, reflecting the various therapeutic environments where these specialists are active, such as hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, schools, and outpatient clinics.
About the Melbourne 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) | $35.56 | $284.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.54 | $324.35 |
| Median (P50) | $49.73 | $397.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57.23 | $457.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.04 | $512.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Melbourne
Based on $49.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.73/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Melbourne, FL can expect to earn approximately $103,431 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,672. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Melbourne.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Melbourne
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,989.06 | $8,619 | $103,431 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,193.43 | $5,172 | $62,059 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $795.62 | $3,448 | $41,372 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Melbourne) | $49.73 |
| 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 Melbourne, FL earn a median of $103,425 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.02% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 2.10% above the Florida state average of $101,298.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.73/hr = $62,059/year (purchasing power: $61,566).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $103,431/year (purchasing power: $102,610).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$40.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.25/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.73/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Melbourne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $41.15/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.81/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.16/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.25/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Melbourne grew 18.1% from $40.85/hr (2019) to $48.25/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.25/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 Melbourne 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 Melbourne
The earning potential for part-time occupational therapists working in Melbourne can vary significantly with a three-day week schedule, bringing home approximately $62,000 annually, which contrasts with full-time earnings that hover around $103,425. With increasing demand for on-demand services, per-diem occupational therapist pay in Melbourne typically falls within the range of $50 to $75 an hour, but credentialed hand therapists (CHT) can command rates of $80 to $110 per hour, especially in cash-pay settings. Additionally, travel occupational therapist contracts can lead to weekly wages of $1,800 to $2,800, emphasizing the profession's flexibility. While some positions in settings like skilled nursing facilities or home health agencies may offer lower hourly rates, they often provide health benefits. Occupational therapists in Melbourne should assess their priorities when weighing hourly pay against benefits, and can negotiate better rates by demonstrating exceptional qualifications or specialized credentials like the CHT.
More salary data for Melbourne, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Melbourne in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Melbourne?
Are occupational therapists in Melbourne paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Melbourne?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Melbourne?
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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 Melbourne. 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 Melbourne 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