Jacksonville vs Palm Bay: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Jacksonville, FL and Palm Bay, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jacksonville, FL | Palm Bay, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $72,522 | $75,185▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $34.87 | $36.15▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,771 | $63,876▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $65,613 | $70,682▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $77,025 | $77,066▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,236▲ | $78,218 |
| Total Employed | 340▲ | 150 |
Verdict
Jacksonville and Palm Bay are closely matched on overall occupational therapy assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Jacksonville and Palm Bay is $2,663 (3.67%). Palm Bay's median is +1.15% compared to the US national median of $74,332.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jacksonville spans $18,465,Palm Bay spans $14,342. Jacksonville has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Palm Bay ($75,181 effective) pays 3.13% more than Jacksonville ($72,898 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Jacksonville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($79,236)
- ✓Larger job market (340 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Palm Bay if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($75,185/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,181)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Jacksonville grew 11.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -0.8% growth in Palm Bay over the same period.
Jacksonville, FL
$63,330 (2019) → $70,540 (2025)
Palm Bay, FL
$73,720 (2019) → $73,130 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jacksonville, FL
Palm Bay, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Jacksonville or Palm Bay?
What is the hourly rate difference between Jacksonville and Palm Bay?
Should I relocate from Jacksonville to Palm Bay as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Jacksonville vs Palm Bay?
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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
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