Tampa vs Palm Bay: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Tampa, FL and Palm Bay, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Tampa, FL | Palm Bay, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $100,710 | $101,092▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.42 | $48.60▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,831▲ | $67,051 |
| 25th Percentile | $85,870▲ | $77,254 |
| 75th Percentile | $105,863▲ | $105,173 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $115,448 | $122,013▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,660▲ | 260 |
Verdict
Palm Bay, FL offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tampa.
The salary gap between Tampa and Palm Bay is $382 (0.38%). Palm Bay's median is -2.23% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Tampa spans $37,617,Palm Bay spans $54,962. Palm Bay 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, Palm Bay ($101,087 effective) pays 1.27% more than Tampa ($99,822 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Tampa if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,660 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Palm Bay if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($101,092/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($122,013)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,087)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Tampa grew 12.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.0% growth in Palm Bay over the same period.
Tampa, FL
$86,660 (2019) → $97,720 (2025)
Palm Bay, FL
$86,810 (2019) → $98,090 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Palm Bay, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Tampa or Palm Bay?
What is the hourly rate difference between Tampa and Palm Bay?
Should I relocate from Tampa to Palm Bay as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Tampa vs Palm Bay?
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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
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