Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Pembroke Pines, FL: $75,296 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Pembroke Pines, FL earns a median $75,296/year (≈ $36.20/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Pembroke Pines's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $74,698 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% above the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pembroke Pines, Florida, the estimated occupational therapy assistant salary in 2026 is projected to reach $75,296 annually, reflecting a slight increase of 1.30% above the national median of $74,332. This competitive salary range appears to vary significantly, with figures spanning from $51,245 at the 10th percentile up to $99,186 at the 90th percentile. Local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments indicate that this role can be particularly lucrative for individuals pursuing further education; advancing from a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) can enhance career earnings over a lifetime. As more healthcare facilities in Pembroke Pines seek qualified therapy assistants, growth in the field is anticipated, underlining the city's strong job market.
About the Pembroke Pines Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,245 | $24.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62,071 | $29.85 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $75,296 | $36.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81,300 | $39.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $99,186 | $47.68 |
Median Salary Position
1.30% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pembroke Pines
In Pembroke Pines, FL, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,941 (2026 est.). At $75,296, the local median is 1.3% above the national median of $74,332.
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How Pembroke Pines Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Pembroke Pines median: $75,296/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pembroke Pines Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $73,675 | +2.20% more |
| National Average | $74,332 | +1.30% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Pembroke Pines, FL earn a median of $75,296 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.30% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 2.20% above the Florida state average of $73,675.
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 $75,296 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $74,698 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$62,308
2025 BLS Actual
$73,238
2026 Current Est.
$75,296
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Pembroke Pines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,308 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,757 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,531 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,084 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,879 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,024 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,238 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,296 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,412 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pembroke Pines metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $62,308 (2019) to $73,238 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $77,412 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,104 (24.24%) 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 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) | $51,245 – $62,071 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $62,071 – $75,296 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $75,296 – $81,300 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $81,300 – $99,186 |
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 Pembroke Pines
With around 40 occupational therapy assistants currently employed in Pembroke Pines, the local market demonstrates a stable demand for this profession. The cost-of-living index for the area stands at 100.8, suggesting that while housing and expenses are slightly above the national average, take-home pay remains fairly strong. Among the employers, skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics frequently offer higher compensation rates compared to options such as school district contracts or early intervention programs. The disparity in earnings can be attributed to factors such as workplace setting, productivity expectations, and the recent 15% cut in Medicare reimbursement for OTA-provided services. Those seeking to maximize occupational therapy assistant pay in Pembroke Pines, FL, should consider pursuing advanced certifications, exploring part-time opportunities that provide a weekend or PRN premium, or transitioning to higher-paying settings like hospital inpatient rehabilitation.
More salary data for Pembroke Pines, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $73,238 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Pembroke Pines 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 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 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