Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Winter Park, FL: $73,092 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Winter Park, FL earns a median $73,092/year (≈ $35.14/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Winter Park's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $72,512 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Winter Park, Florida, the projected earnings for occupational therapy assistants are noteworthy, with a median annual salary of $73,092 in 2026. This figure positions local professionals slightly below the national median of $74,332 for the same year, reflecting regional market dynamics shaped by service delivery settings. Salaries for COTAs here range from $53,621 at the lower end to $88,602 for those at the higher end of the pay spectrum, indicating varied compensation based on experience and employer type. The local estimates draw from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for state-level conditions, emphasizing the evolving financial landscape for COTAs. The post-Medicare cut reality has particularly impacted payment structures in skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and schools, creating a complex compensation environment that current and aspiring professionals in Winter Park must navigate.
About the Winter Park Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,621 | $25.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62,755 | $30.17 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $73,092 | $35.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,477 | $38.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88,602 | $42.59 |
Median Salary Position
1.67% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Winter Park
In Winter Park, FL, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,981 (2026 est.). At $73,092, the local median is 1.67% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Winter Park: You'd be above the median
How Winter Park Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Winter Park median: $73,092/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Winter Park Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $73,681 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -1.67% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Winter Park, FL earn a median of $73,092 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.67% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 0.80% below the Florida state average of $73,681.
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 $73,092 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $72,512 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,484
2025 BLS Actual
$71,094
2026 Current Est.
$73,092
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Winter Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,484 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,890 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,700 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,178 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,892 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,974 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,094 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,092 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,146 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Winter Park metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $60,484 (2019) to $71,094 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $75,146 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,662 (24.24%) 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 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) | $53,621 – $62,755 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $62,755 – $73,092 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $73,092 – $79,477 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,477 – $88,602 |
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 Winter Park
Breaking down the occupational therapy assistant pay in Winter Park, FL, reveals several factors shaping compensation. A relatively stable job market includes just seven employed COTAs, reflecting limited local demand but consistent opportunities. With a cost-of-living index at 100.8, the purchasing power for COTAs can be influenced by salaries in nearby settings—with hospital positions typically offering higher pay than those in schools or skilled nursing facilities, particularly after the significant 15% Medicare cut. To maximize earnings, aspiring occupational therapy assistants may want to consider contract work in clinics or services requiring year-round commitment, as these can yield additional pay incentives. Understanding the distinctions in compensation across employment settings, as well as leveraging continuing education and potential advancement to MOT programs, can also help professionals enhance their occupational therapy assistant salary in Winter Park.
More salary data for Winter Park, 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 $71,094 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Winter Park 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 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 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