Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in North Lauderdale, FL: $47.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in North Lauderdale, 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 North Lauderdale'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
Occupational therapists in North Lauderdale, FL, earn a median hourly rate of $47.25, which is slightly below the national median of $49.71. For those seeking part-time positions, such as working three days a week, this hourly rate equates to a stable income while maintaining a flexible schedule. Per-diem occupational therapists often charge between $50 and $75 per hour, allowing them to capitalize on diverse working environments, including hospital rehab units and outpatient therapy clinics. The hourly wage range for occupational therapists in North Lauderdale spans from $33.04 for entry-level positions to about $58.49 for the highest earners, reflecting the diverse career pathways within this profession. These estimates are based on annual salary data projected for 2026, providing a clear picture of the potential earnings in various therapeutic settings.
About the North Lauderdale 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) | $53.36 | $426.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.49 | $467.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in North Lauderdale
Based on $47.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.25/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in North Lauderdale, 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 North Lauderdale.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in North Lauderdale
| 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 (North Lauderdale) | $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 North Lauderdale, 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 North Lauderdale (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 North Lauderdale 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 North Lauderdale 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 North Lauderdale
Evaluating the part-time earning potential for an occupational therapist working 24 hours a week reveals a clear distinction between full-time and part-time income. Part-time professionals may earn around $37,104 annually, while a full-time therapist would see significantly higher income due to the standard 40-hour workweek. For per-diem or agency therapists, the financial reality is even more promising, with travel OT contracts offering weekly payments of $1,800 to $2,800, which facilitates higher overall earnings. Moreover, hourly rates are susceptible to variations among employer types; skilled nursing facilities may offer less compared to outpatient clinics or positions within school districts. This leads to a trade-off between hourly rates and benefits, where some therapists opt for lower pay in exchange for crucial health insurance and job stability. Effective negotiation tactics can help maximize hourly compensation in North Lauderdale, making it essential for occupational therapists to actively engage in discussions about pay based on their expertise, particularly for those holding CHT credentials, which command higher hourly rates in specialized practices.
More salary data for North Lauderdale, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in North Lauderdale in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in North Lauderdale?
Are occupational therapists in North Lauderdale paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in North Lauderdale?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in North Lauderdale?
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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 North Lauderdale. 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 North Lauderdale 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