Occupational Therapist Salary in Delray Beach, FL: $101,570 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Delray Beach, FL earns a median $101,570/year (≈ $48.83/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Delray Beach's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $100,764 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% above the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, occupational therapists practicing in Delray Beach, Florida, can anticipate a median salary of $101,570, which reflects a slight dip compared to the national median of $103,400. The salary range for this profession in the area spans from $70,957 at the 10th percentile to $138,626 at the 90th percentile. Estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price parities, indicate there are opportunities for growth, particularly for those who achieve the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) specialty certification. This additional qualification can command significant premium pay, strategically positioning therapists to maximize their earnings in Florida’s bustling healthcare market, especially in a city like Delray Beach that has a variety of healthcare settings available.
About the Delray Beach Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,957 | $34.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $85,426 | $41.07 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $101,570 | $48.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $115,805 | $55.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $138,626 | $66.65 |
Median Salary Position
1.77% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Delray Beach
In Delray Beach, FL, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $67,669 (2026 est.). At $101,570, the local median is 1.77% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Delray Beach: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Delray Beach Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Delray Beach median: $101,570/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Delray Beach Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $101,266 | +0.30% more |
| National Average | $103,400 | -1.77% less |
Occupational Therapists in Delray Beach, FL earn a median of $101,570 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.77% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 0.30% above the Florida state average of $101,266.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Delray Beach has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Delray Beach, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $101,570 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $100,764 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$83,446
2025 BLS Actual
$98,554
2026 Current Est.
$101,570
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Delray Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $83,446 | Actual |
| 2020 | $84,753 | Actual |
| 2021 | $84,055 | Actual |
| 2022 | $91,531 | Actual |
| 2023 | $94,664 | Actual |
| 2024 | $92,980 | Actual |
| 2025 | $98,554 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $101,570 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $104,678 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Delray Beach metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $83,446 (2019) to $98,554 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $104,678 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,232 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Delray Beach metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.06% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $70,957 – $85,426 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $85,426 – $101,570 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $101,570 – $115,805 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $115,805 – $138,626 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Delray Beach
With only 15 occupational therapists currently employed in Delray Beach, the market remains competitive, but the area's cost of living index of 100.8 suggests a slight advantage over the national average and significant implications for take-home pay. Key employers in the region, such as skilled nursing facilities and outpatient hand therapy clinics, tend to offer the most competitive compensation packages. Factors that contribute to salary variance include the work environment, certifications like the CHT, productivity expectations, and the seasonal nature of school contracts. To maximize earnings, occupational therapists might consider targeting settings with higher salaries, pursuing relevant certifications, and negotiating contracts that align with their professional qualifications and the specific demands of their chosen employer in Delray Beach.
More salary data for Delray Beach, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Delray Beach, FL in 2026?
Is Delray Beach, FL a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Delray Beach?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Delray Beach?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Delray Beach?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $98,554 for occupational therapistsin the Delray Beach metropolitan area. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Delray Beach is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.06%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapists (SOC 29-1122).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov