Occupational Therapist Pay

Aventura vs Orlando: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare occupational therapist salaries between Aventura, FL and Orlando, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Aventura, FL
$99,966
$48.06/hr
Orlando, FL
$102,565
$49.31/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAventura, FLOrlando, FL
Median Salary$99,966$102,565
Hourly Rate$48.06$49.31
Entry Level (P10)$72,643$66,381
25th Percentile$82,054$84,891
75th Percentile$112,680$107,605
Top Earner (P90)$123,470$126,826
Total Employed81,160
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Aventura ($99,966) and Orlando ($102,565) occupational therapist salaries.AventuraOrlandoMedian Salary$99,966$102,565Entry Level (P10)$72,643$66,381Top Earner (P90)$123,470$126,826US Median $103,400

Verdict

Orlando, FL offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Aventura.

The salary gap between Aventura and Orlando is $2,599 (2.60%). Orlando's median is -0.81% compared to the US national median of $103,400.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Aventura spans $50,827,Orlando spans $60,445. Orlando has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapists.

Aventura
P10 (Entry)$72,643
P25$82,054
Median$99,966
P75$112,680
P90 (Top)$123,470
Orlando
P10 (Entry)$66,381
P25$84,891
Median$102,565
P75$107,605
P90 (Top)$126,826

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Orlando ($101,131 effective) pays 1.97% more than Aventura ($99,173 effective).

Aventura
Nominal: $99,966
CoL Index: 100.8
Adjusted: $99,173
Orlando
Nominal: $102,565
CoL Index: 101.418
Adjusted: $101,131

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Aventura if…

  • You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle

Choose Orlando if…

  • Higher median salary ($102,565/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($126,826)
  • Larger job market (1,160 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,131)
  • You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Aventura grew 6.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 11.3% growth in Orlando over the same period.

Aventura, FL

+6.0%

$91,512 (2024) → $96,998 (2025)

Orlando, FL

+11.3%

$89,400 (2019) → $99,520 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays occupational therapists more: Aventura or Orlando?

Orlando has a higher median occupational therapist salary at $102,565/year, compared to Aventura at $99,966/year — a difference of $2,599 (2.60%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Aventura and Orlando?

Aventura occupational therapists earn $48.06/hr while Orlando hygienists earn $49.31/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Aventura to Orlando as a occupational therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Aventura and Orlando. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Aventura = $99,173, Orlando = $101,131), job availability (8 vs 1,160 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Aventura vs Orlando?

Entry-level (10th percentile) occupational therapists earn $72,643 in Aventura and $66,381 in Orlando. The Aventura area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JM

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.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Chen, OTR/LData verified by Luis Garcia, OTR/L

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov