Occupational Therapist Pay

Orlando vs Winter Park: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)

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

Orlando, FL
$102,565
$49.31/hr
Winter Park, FL
$100,461
$48.29/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricOrlando, FLWinter Park, FL
Median Salary$102,565$100,461
Hourly Rate$49.31$48.29
Entry Level (P10)$66,381$73,943
25th Percentile$84,891$83,078
75th Percentile$107,605$115,963
Top Earner (P90)$126,826$128,930
Total Employed1,1607
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Orlando ($102,565) and Winter Park ($100,461) occupational therapist salaries.OrlandoWinter ParkMedian Salary$102,565$100,461Entry Level (P10)$66,381$73,943Top Earner (P90)$126,826$128,930US Median $103,400

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Orlando and Winter Park is $2,104 (2.09%). 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,Winter Park spans $54,987. Orlando has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Orlando
P10 (Entry)$66,381
P25$84,891
Median$102,565
P75$107,605
P90 (Top)$126,826
Winter Park
P10 (Entry)$73,943
P25$83,078
Median$100,461
P75$115,963
P90 (Top)$128,930

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Orlando ($101,131 effective) pays 1.47% more than Winter Park ($99,664 effective).

Orlando
Nominal: $102,565
CoL Index: 101.418
Adjusted: $101,131
Winter Park
Nominal: $100,461
CoL Index: 100.8
Adjusted: $99,664

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 Winter Park if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($128,930)
  • 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 Winter Park over the same period.

Orlando, FL

+11.3%

$89,400 (2019) → $99,520 (2025)

Winter Park, FL

+6.0%

$91,965 (2024) → $97,478 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Orlando has a higher median occupational therapist salary at $102,565/year, compared to Winter Park at $100,461/year — a difference of $2,104 (2.09%).

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

Orlando occupational therapists earn $49.31/hr while Winter Park hygienists earn $48.29/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Orlando and Winter Park. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Orlando = $101,131, Winter Park = $99,664), job availability (1,160 vs 7 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) occupational therapists earn $66,381 in Orlando and $73,943 in Winter Park. The Winter 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