Occupational Therapist Salary in Panama City, FL: $100,267 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Panama City, FL earns a median $100,267/year (≈ $48.21/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Panama City's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.3), that paycheck buys what $103,054 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% below the Florida state average.
Official BLS data · View source
Occupational therapists in Panama City, FL, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $100,267 in 2026. This figure is slightly lower than the national median of $103,400, primarily due to the diverse employment settings available in the area, including hospitals, schools, and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). The salary range for occupational therapists here extends from $75,852 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $127,784 at the high end (90th percentile). Such compensation reflects the demand for therapy services across various facilities, with opportunities that may suit those who prefer working year-round versus those drawn to school-year contracts. According to data derived from the 2025 BLS OEWS surveys, the job market for occupational therapists in Panama City appears stable, catering to the needs of both adult and pediatric populations.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,852 | $36.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $94,321 | $45.35 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $100,267 | $48.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $108,955 | $52.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $127,784 | $61.43 |
Median Salary Position
3.03% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Panama City
In Panama City, FL, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,932 (2026 est.). At $100,267, the local median is 3.03% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Panama City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Panama City Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Panama City median: $100,267/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Panama City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $101,280 | -1.00% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -3.03% less |
Occupational Therapists in Panama City, FL earn a median of $100,267 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.03% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 1.00% below the Florida state average of $101,280.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Panama City has a cost of living 2.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Panama City, FL has a cost-of-living index of 97.296 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $100,267 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $103,054 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.78% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$82,376
2025 BLS Actual
$97,290
2026 Current Est.
$100,267
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Panama City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $82,376 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,666 | Actual |
| 2021 | $78,120 | Actual |
| 2022 | $93,120 | Actual |
| 2023 | $96,530 | Actual |
| 2024 | $97,800 | Actual |
| 2025 | $97,290 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $100,267 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $103,335 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Panama City metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $82,376 (2019) to $97,290 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $103,335 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,959 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Panama City 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) | $75,852 – $94,321 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $94,321 – $100,267 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $100,267 – $108,955 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $108,955 – $127,784 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Panama City
With around 90 occupational therapists employed in the Panama City area, the local job market remains relatively solid amid a cost of living index of 97.296, which is below the national average. This lower cost of living can enhance take-home purchasing power, allowing therapists to stretch their income further. Among potential employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehab often offer the highest pay compared to schools and outpatient clinics. Factors driving salary disparities include setting preferences, potential stipends for board certifications such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential, and productivity expectations unique to each workplace. Therapists can maximize their occupational therapist pay in Panama City, FL, by seeking employment in high-paying settings and considering year-round contracts, especially in areas with a consistent demand for skilled therapy services.
More salary data for Panama City, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Panama City, FL in 2026?
Is Panama City, FL a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Panama City?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Panama City?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Panama City?
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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 $97,290 for occupational therapistsin the Panama City 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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