Occupational Therapist Salary in Sunrise, FL: $98,441 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Sunrise, FL earns a median $98,441/year (≈ $47.33/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Sunrise's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $97,660 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% below the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in Sunrise, FL, can expect a median annual salary of $98,441 in 2026, which reflects a competitive position in the market compared to the national figure of $103,400. The salary range for this profession in the area spans from $71,329 at the 10th percentile to $128,465 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional cost factors, highlight how the job structure—whether in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), or school systems—can greatly influence earnings. Year-round positions in rehabilitation hospitals often yield higher salaries, while school-year contracts may offer lower pay, emphasizing the trade-offs between job settings and employment types in Sunrise's job market.
About the Sunrise Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,329 | $34.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $81,264 | $39.07 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $98,441 | $47.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $114,308 | $54.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $128,465 | $61.76 |
Median Salary Position
4.8% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sunrise
In Sunrise, FL, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $57,136 (2026 est.). At $98,441, the local median is 4.8% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Sunrise: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Sunrise Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Sunrise median: $98,441/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Sunrise Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $101,277 | -2.80% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -4.80% less |
Occupational Therapists in Sunrise, FL earn a median of $98,441 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.80% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 2.80% below the Florida state average of $101,277.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Sunrise has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Sunrise, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $98,441 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $97,660 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$80,876
2025 BLS Actual
$95,518
2026 Current Est.
$98,441
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Sunrise (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $80,876 | Actual |
| 2020 | $82,142 | Actual |
| 2021 | $81,466 | Actual |
| 2022 | $88,711 | Actual |
| 2023 | $91,748 | Actual |
| 2024 | $90,116 | Actual |
| 2025 | $95,518 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $98,441 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $101,453 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Sunrise metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $80,876 (2019) to $95,518 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $101,453 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,577 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sunrise 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) | $71,329 – $81,264 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $81,264 – $98,441 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $98,441 – $114,308 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $114,308 – $128,465 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Sunrise
Analyzing the local job market reveals that 23 occupational therapists are currently employed in Sunrise, balancing a cost-of-living index of 100.8, slightly above the national average, and impacting overall purchasing power. Among potential employers, skilled nursing facilities and inpatient rehabilitation services generally provide the highest compensation, while school districts offer the lowest salaries. The variability in pay is influenced by factors such as certification in specialized areas like Certified Hand Therapy (CHT), year-round versus school-year contracts, and productivity expectations. Strategies for maximizing earnings in this competitive environment include pursuing specialized credentials and seeking positions in higher-paying settings, along with understanding the local demand dynamics for occupational therapy services.
More salary data for Sunrise, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Sunrise, FL in 2026?
Is Sunrise, FL a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Sunrise?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Sunrise?
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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 $95,518 for occupational therapistsin the Sunrise 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 Sunrise 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