Occupational Therapist Salary in Pembroke Pines, FL: $103,491 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Pembroke Pines, FL earns a median $103,491/year (≈ $49.76/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Pembroke Pines's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $102,670 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% above the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the estimated occupational therapist salary in Pembroke Pines, Florida, is projected to be $103,491, slightly above the national median of $103,400. This figure reflects the local job market conditions shaped by the impacts of Medicare cuts on skilled nursing facilities and outpatient therapy services. The employment landscape for occupational therapists in this area ranges from $70,673 at the 10th percentile to $144,074 at the 90th percentile, highlighting a notable variation in compensation. These estimates are derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments, providing an accurate snapshot of the financial opportunities available to practitioners in Pembroke Pines amid evolving healthcare policies.
About the Pembroke Pines Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,673 | $33.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $82,121 | $39.48 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $103,491 | $49.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $118,849 | $57.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $144,074 | $69.27 |
Median Salary Position
0.09% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pembroke Pines
In Pembroke Pines, FL, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $73,401 (2026 est.). At $103,491, the local median is 0.09% above the national median of $103,400.
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At 40 hours/week in Pembroke Pines: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pembroke Pines Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Pembroke Pines median: $103,491/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pembroke Pines Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $101,263 | +2.20% more |
| National Average | $103,400 | +0.09% more |
Occupational Therapists in Pembroke Pines, FL earn a median of $103,491 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.09% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 2.20% above the Florida state average of $101,263.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pembroke Pines has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pembroke Pines, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $103,491 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $102,670 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$85,025
2025 BLS Actual
$100,418
2026 Current Est.
$103,491
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Pembroke Pines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $85,025 | Actual |
| 2020 | $86,356 | Actual |
| 2021 | $85,645 | Actual |
| 2022 | $93,262 | Actual |
| 2023 | $96,455 | Actual |
| 2024 | $94,739 | Actual |
| 2025 | $100,418 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $103,491 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $106,658 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pembroke Pines metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $85,025 (2019) to $100,418 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $106,658 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,633 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pembroke Pines 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) | $70,673 – $82,121 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $82,121 – $103,491 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $103,491 – $118,849 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $118,849 – $144,074 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Pembroke Pines
Currently, there are 40 occupational therapists employed in Pembroke Pines. With a cost-of-living index of 100.8, the area presents slight challenges in terms of purchasing power, as the cost of goods and services hovers just above the national average. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation units tend to offer higher pay compared to outpatient hand therapy clinics or school district contracts. Factors influencing earning potential include the setting of practice—with hospitals generally compensating more than schools—and the impact of the Medicare cutbacks which may place downward pressure on rates in SNFs and outpatient clinics. Dedicated practitioners may find it beneficial to pursue board certifications such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) designation, which can lead to higher pay scales. Understanding local market dynamics and negotiating contracts wisely are key strategies to maximize pay for occupational therapist positions in Pembroke Pines, FL.
More salary data for Pembroke Pines, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $100,418 for occupational therapistsin the Pembroke Pines 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 Pembroke Pines 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