Miami vs West Palm Beach: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Miami, FL and West Palm Beach, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Miami, FL | West Palm Beach, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,585 | $106,940▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.28 | $51.42▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,710 | $74,774▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $83,324 | $86,261▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $109,738 | $126,646▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $124,610 | $144,006▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,550▲ | 29 |
Verdict
West Palm Beach, FL offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Miami.
The salary gap between Miami and West Palm Beach is $2,355 (2.25%). West Palm Beach's median is +3.42% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Miami spans $55,900,West Palm Beach spans $69,232. West Palm Beach has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, West Palm Beach ($106,091 effective) pays 15.80% more than Miami ($91,617 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Miami if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,550 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose West Palm Beach if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,940/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($144,006)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,091)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Miami grew 30.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.3% growth in West Palm Beach over the same period.
Miami, FL
$77,880 (2019) → $101,480 (2025)
West Palm Beach, FL
$95,773 (2024) → $103,765 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
West Palm Beach, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Miami or West Palm Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Miami and West Palm Beach?
Should I relocate from Miami to West Palm Beach as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Miami vs West Palm Beach?
Related Comparisons
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
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