Occupational Therapist Salary in Winter Park, FL: $100,461 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Winter Park, FL earns a median $100,461/year (≈ $48.29/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Winter Park's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $99,664 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in Winter Park, Florida, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $100,461 in 2026, which places them slightly below the national median of $103,400. The local salary range varies significantly, from approximately $73,943 at the 10th percentile to $128,930 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost variances, reflect the varied settings in which occupational therapists may work—whether in hospitals, school systems, or skilled nursing facilities—as well as the decision-making regarding year-round employment versus school-year positions. As the demand for occupational therapy services continues to rise in Winter Park, understanding these figures can help new graduates and seasoned practitioners strategically position themselves in the job market.
About the Winter Park Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,943 | $35.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $83,078 | $39.95 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $100,461 | $48.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $115,963 | $55.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $128,930 | $61.99 |
Median Salary Position
2.84% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Winter Park
In Winter Park, FL, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $54,987 (2026 est.). At $100,461, the local median is 2.84% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Winter Park: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Winter Park Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Winter Park median: $100,461/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Winter Park Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $101,271 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -2.84% less |
Occupational Therapists in Winter Park, FL earn a median of $100,461 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.84% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 0.80% below the Florida state average of $101,271.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Winter Park has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Winter Park, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $100,461 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $99,664 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$82,535
2025 BLS Actual
$97,478
2026 Current Est.
$100,461
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Winter Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $82,535 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,827 | Actual |
| 2021 | $83,138 | Actual |
| 2022 | $90,531 | Actual |
| 2023 | $93,631 | Actual |
| 2024 | $91,965 | Actual |
| 2025 | $97,478 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $100,461 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $103,535 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Winter Park metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $82,535 (2019) to $97,478 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $103,535 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,000 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Winter Park 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) | $73,943 – $83,078 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $83,078 – $100,461 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $100,461 – $115,963 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $115,963 – $128,930 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Winter Park
The local job market for occupational therapists is relatively limited, with only seven professionals currently employed in Winter Park. The cost of living index stands at 100.8, indicating that expenses in the area are slightly above the national average and may influence overall take-home pay. Among local employers, hospital inpatient rehabilitation facilities and outpatient clinics tend to offer the highest salaries, especially for those with advanced certifications like the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential. Factors affecting salary variability include workplace environment and productivity expectations, alongside seasonal contract variations in school-based roles. To maximize earnings, occupational therapists should consider pursuing specialized certifications, focusing on settings that typically pay more, and creating flexible contracts that take into account both the seasonal demands of school-based practices and the stability of year-round employment options.
More salary data for Winter Park, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Winter Park, FL in 2026?
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Can occupational therapists make $100K in Winter Park?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Winter Park?
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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 $97,478 for occupational therapistsin the Winter Park 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 Winter Park 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