Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Sunrise, FL: $47.33 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Sunrise, FL runs $47.33 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $98,441 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Sunrise's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $46.95 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,062 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Occupational therapists in Sunrise, Florida, earn a median hourly pay of $47.33, which is slightly below the national median of $49.71. This hourly rate offers a solid income potential for those working part-time, such as in hospital rehab units or skilled nursing facilities, where three-day workweeks are common. For per-diem occupational therapists, this pay structure allows flexibility while also providing financial stability. The hourly range in Sunrise varies significantly, starting at $34.29 for entry-level roles and reaching up to $61.76 for those at the high end of the pay scale. These estimates are derived from annual salary figures, providing insight into the compensation landscape for this essential profession.
About the Sunrise 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) | $34.29 | $274.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.07 | $312.56 |
| Median (P50) | $47.33 | $378.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.95 | $439.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.76 | $494.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sunrise
Based on $47.33/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.33/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sunrise, FL can expect to earn approximately $98,436 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,790. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Sunrise.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sunrise
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,893.01 | $8,203 | $98,436 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,135.80 | $4,922 | $59,062 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $757.20 | $3,281 | $39,375 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Sunrise) | $47.33 |
| 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 Sunrise, FL earn a median of $98,441 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.80% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 2.80% below the Florida state average of $101,277.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.33/hr = $59,062/year (purchasing power: $58,593).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $98,436/year (purchasing power: $97,655).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$38.88/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.33/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Sunrise (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.88/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.65/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.33/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.33/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Sunrise grew 18.1% from $38.88/hr (2019) to $45.92/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.77/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 Sunrise 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 Sunrise
When considering financial prospects, part-time occupational therapists working three days a week (24 hours) in Sunrise may take home a dependable income, but it might pale in comparison to those pursuing full-time positions. Per diem occupational therapist pay in Sunrise typically ranges from $50 to $75 per hour, and those with the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential can command rates of $80 to $110 per hour in cash-pay practices. Travel contracts for occupational therapists can lead to lucrative earnings, ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 weekly. Hourly rates can fluctuate based on the employer type, with skilled nursing facilities often offering more stability compared to outpatient or home health situations. Some therapists may prefer lower hourly rates at facilities that provide benefits, understanding the trade-offs involved. Effective negotiation can help those aiming for hourly positions in Sunrise maximize their compensation without sacrificing essential work-life balance.
More salary data for Sunrise, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Sunrise in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Sunrise?
Are occupational therapists in Sunrise paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Sunrise?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Sunrise?
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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 Sunrise. 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 Sunrise 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