Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Apopka, FL: $72,463 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Apopka, FL earns a median $72,463/year (≈ $34.84/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Apopka's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $71,888 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the estimated median annual salary for occupational therapy assistants in Apopka, FL, sits at $72,463, a figure that falls 2.51% below the national median of $74,332. Salaries in this region range from $53,966 at the 10th percentile to $93,558 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse pay scale depending on various job settings. These local estimates are influenced by state-level BLS data and regional cost of living adjustments. The salary landscape is notably shaped by the distinct structures of employment within skilled nursing facilities, schools, and hospitals, with recent Medicare adjustments impacting reimbursement rates across the board. As the job market for occupational therapy assistants in Apopka evolves, attention to these structural divides becomes crucial for new graduates and seasoned practitioners alike.
About the Apopka Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,966 | $25.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63,077 | $30.33 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $72,463 | $34.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,456 | $37.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93,558 | $44.98 |
Median Salary Position
2.51% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Apopka
In Apopka, FL, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,592 (2026 est.). At $72,463, the local median is 2.51% below the national median of $74,332.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Apopka: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Apopka Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Apopka median: $72,463/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Apopka Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $73,716 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -2.51% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Apopka, FL earn a median of $72,463 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.51% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.70% below the Florida state average of $73,716.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Apopka has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Apopka, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $72,463 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $71,888 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$59,963
2025 BLS Actual
$70,482
2026 Current Est.
$72,463
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Apopka (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,963 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,357 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,178 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,634 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,325 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,389 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,482 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,463 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,499 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Apopka metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $59,963 (2019) to $70,482 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $74,499 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,536 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Apopka 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 2.81% 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) | $53,966 – $63,077 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $63,077 – $72,463 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $72,463 – $77,456 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,456 – $93,558 |
OTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapy assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Market in Apopka
With only eight occupational therapy assistants currently employed in Apopka, the local job market presents unique challenges and opportunities. The cost-of-living index stands at 100.8, slightly above the national average, which means that while salaries may appear moderate, the actual purchasing power can vary significantly. Among local employers, inpatient rehabilitation hospitals often offer the highest pay, contrasting with the reduced compensation typically found in skilled nursing facilities due to reimbursement cuts initiated in 2022. This pay disparity reflects productivity expectations and the varying demands of different settings, where hospital jobs tend to prioritize full-time roles with year-round contracts, unlike school placements that align more closely with academic years. For occupational therapy assistants seeking to maximize their earnings in Apopka, exploring opportunities in hospital settings or home health agencies, while remaining aware of certification pathways through AOTA and NBCOT, can enhance both professional growth and financial stability.
More salary data for Apopka, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Apopka, FL in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Apopka?
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Written by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as an occupational therapist. Their specialty is working with children with developmental disorders. They have worked in various healthcare settings including schools and rehabilitation facilities.
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 $70,482 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Apopka metropolitan area. A 2.81% 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 Apopka 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 2.81%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapy assistants (SOC 31-2011).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapy assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov