Occupational Therapist Pay

Orlando vs Pinellas Park: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)

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

Orlando, FL
$102,565
$49.31/hr
Pinellas Park, FL
$99,427
$47.80/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricOrlando, FLPinellas Park, FL
Median Salary$102,565$99,427
Hourly Rate$49.31$47.80
Entry Level (P10)$66,381$73,610
25th Percentile$84,891$83,252
75th Percentile$107,605$112,837
Top Earner (P90)$126,826$135,336
Total Employed1,16013
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Orlando ($102,565) and Pinellas Park ($99,427) occupational therapist salaries.OrlandoPinellas ParkMedian Salary$102,565$99,427Entry Level (P10)$66,381$73,610Top Earner (P90)$126,826$135,336US Median $103,400

Verdict

Orlando, FL offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Pinellas Park.

The salary gap between Orlando and Pinellas Park is $3,138 (3.16%). 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 Orlando spans $60,445,Pinellas Park spans $61,726. Pinellas Park has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapists.

Orlando
P10 (Entry)$66,381
P25$84,891
Median$102,565
P75$107,605
P90 (Top)$126,826
Pinellas Park
P10 (Entry)$73,610
P25$83,252
Median$99,427
P75$112,837
P90 (Top)$135,336

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Orlando ($101,131 effective) pays 2.53% more than Pinellas Park ($98,638 effective).

Orlando
Nominal: $102,565
CoL Index: 101.418
Adjusted: $101,131
Pinellas Park
Nominal: $99,427
CoL Index: 100.8
Adjusted: $98,638

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Orlando if…

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

Choose Pinellas Park if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($135,336)
  • You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Orlando grew 11.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.0% growth in Pinellas Park over the same period.

Orlando, FL

+11.3%

$89,400 (2019) → $99,520 (2025)

Pinellas Park, FL

+6.0%

$91,019 (2024) → $96,475 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays occupational therapists more: Orlando or Pinellas Park?

Orlando has a higher median occupational therapist salary at $102,565/year, compared to Pinellas Park at $99,427/year — a difference of $3,138 (3.16%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Orlando and Pinellas Park?

Orlando occupational therapists earn $49.31/hr while Pinellas Park hygienists earn $47.80/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Orlando to Pinellas Park as a occupational therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Orlando and Pinellas Park. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Orlando = $101,131, Pinellas Park = $98,638), job availability (1,160 vs 13 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) occupational therapists earn $66,381 in Orlando and $73,610 in Pinellas Park. The Pinellas Park 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