Occupational Therapist Salary in Florida
Based on 11K+ workers in Florida
Median Annual Salary (FL)
$99,360
$47.77/hr
vs National Average
$98,754
+0.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$66K – $118K
11K employed in Florida
Occupational Therapist salary in Florida averages $99,360 annually, which is 1% above the national average. Florida currently employs approximately 10,650 occupational therapists across various healthcare settings. Salaries in this field range from $66,230 to $117,950 depending on individual circumstances, reflecting the diverse opportunities available throughout the state.
Several factors influence occupational therapist compensation in Florida, including years of experience, specialized certifications, and work setting. Therapists in urban areas or specialized healthcare facilities often earn more than those in rural communities. Additionally, employer type—whether public hospitals, private practices, or rehabilitation centers—affects earning potential, as does the specific patient population served.
Salary Distribution — Occupational Therapist in Florida
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $66,230 |
| 25th percentile | $81,360 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $99,360 |
| 75th percentile | $104,830 |
| 90th percentile | $117,950 |
Top-Paying Industries for Occupational Therapist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Occupational Therapists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Occupational Therapists in Florida tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $105,560 | 3K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $101,950 | 200 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $101,410 | 570 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $101,080 | 133K |
| Administrative and Support Services | $100,120 | 3K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Occupational Therapist in Florida vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Florida) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $91,970 |
| 2023 | $96,010 |
| 2024 | $99,070 |
| 2025 | $99,360 |
| 2026 (projected) | $99,651 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Florida Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $91,970 | $88,771 |
| 2023 | $96,010 | $93,040 |
| 2024 | $99,070 | $95,329 |
| 2025 | $99,360 | $98,754 |
| 2026 (projected) | $99,651 | $99,043 |
Occupational Therapist Salary by Experience Level in Florida
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $81,360 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $99,360 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $104,830 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $117,950 |
Occupational Therapist Salary in Other States
Related Occupational Therapist Salaries in Florida
How other high-demand occupations in Florida compare to Occupational Therapist ($99,360 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Occupational Therapist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anesthesiologist in FL | $465,370 | +368.4% | $223.74/hr |
| Surgeon in FL | $429,990 | +332.8% | $206.73/hr |
| Radiologist in FL | $417,690 | +320.4% | $200.81/hr |
| Cardiologist in FL | $414,910 | +317.6% | $199.48/hr |
| Psychiatrist in FL | $316,200 | +218.2% | $152.02/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in FL | $227,700 | +129.2% | $109.47/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in FL | $222,600 | +124.0% | $107.02/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in FL | $210,570 | +111.9% | $101.24/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in FL | $204,990 | +106.3% | $98.55/hr |
| Pediatrician in FL | $182,010 | +83.2% | $87.50/hr |
| Dentist in FL | $174,900 | +76.0% | $84.09/hr |
| Optometrist in FL | $151,670 | +52.6% | $72.92/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Florida?
- The median salary for occupational therapists in Florida is $99,360 per year, or $48 per hour. This is slightly above the national average, representing a +0.6% difference compared to occupational therapists across the United States.
What is the salary range for occupational therapists in Florida?
- Occupational therapist salaries in Florida range from $66,230 at the lower end to $117,950 at the upper end. This range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and employer type within the state.
Is occupational therapy a well-paid job in Florida?
- Yes, with a median salary of $99,360 annually, occupational therapy is a well-compensated profession in Florida that exceeds the national average by 0.6%. The field also offers solid earning potential, with top earners making up to $117,950 per year.
How many occupational therapists work in Florida?
- There are approximately 10,650 occupational therapists employed in Florida. This represents a substantial workforce in the state's healthcare and rehabilitation sector.