OT Assistant Salary

Clermont vs Tampa: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Clermont, FL and Tampa, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Clermont, FL
$71,050
$34.16/hr
Tampa, FL
$74,866
$35.99/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricClermont, FLTampa, FL
Median Salary$71,050$74,866
Hourly Rate$34.16$35.99
Entry Level (P10)$54,635$62,221
25th Percentile$61,279$65,644
75th Percentile$77,526$77,776
Top Earner (P90)$86,568$80,942
Total Employed11550
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Clermont ($71,050) and Tampa ($74,866) occupational therapy assistant salaries.ClermontTampaMedian Salary$71,050$74,866Entry Level (P10)$54,635$62,221Top Earner (P90)$86,568$80,942US Median $74,332

Verdict

Tampa, FL offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Clermont.

The salary gap between Clermont and Tampa is $3,816 (5.37%). Tampa's median is +0.72% compared to the US national median of $74,332.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Clermont spans $31,933,Tampa spans $18,721. Clermont has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Clermont
P10 (Entry)$54,635
P25$61,279
Median$71,050
P75$77,526
P90 (Top)$86,568
Tampa
P10 (Entry)$62,221
P25$65,644
Median$74,866
P75$77,776
P90 (Top)$80,942

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Tampa ($74,206 effective) pays 5.28% more than Clermont ($70,486 effective).

Clermont
Nominal: $71,050
CoL Index: 100.8
Adjusted: $70,486
Tampa
Nominal: $74,866
CoL Index: 100.89
Adjusted: $74,206

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Clermont if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($86,568)
  • You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle

Choose Tampa if…

  • Higher median salary ($74,866/year)
  • Larger job market (550 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,206)
  • You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Clermont grew 4.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 6.7% growth in Tampa over the same period.

Clermont, FL

+4.6%

$66,075 (2024) → $69,108 (2025)

Tampa, FL

+6.7%

$68,270 (2019) → $72,820 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Clermont or Tampa?

Tampa has a higher median occupational therapy assistant salary at $74,866/year, compared to Clermont at $71,050/year — a difference of $3,816 (5.37%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Clermont and Tampa?

Clermont occupational therapy assistants earn $34.16/hr while Tampa hygienists earn $35.99/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Clermont to Tampa as a occupational therapy assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Clermont and Tampa. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Clermont = $70,486, Tampa = $74,206), job availability (11 vs 550 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Clermont vs Tampa?

Entry-level (10th percentile) occupational therapy assistants earn $54,635 in Clermont and $62,221 in Tampa. The Tampa area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, COTA/LData verified by Samuel Chen, OTR/L

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.81% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

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