OT Assistant Salary

Naples vs Orlando: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)

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

Naples, FL
$79,873
$38.40/hr
Orlando, FL
$74,671
$35.90/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricNaples, FLOrlando, FL
Median Salary$79,873$74,671
Hourly Rate$38.40$35.90
Entry Level (P10)$64,842$61,573
25th Percentile$73,088$64,544
75th Percentile$81,580$77,560
Top Earner (P90)$84,304$79,955
Total Employed50350
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Naples ($79,873) and Orlando ($74,671) occupational therapy assistant salaries.NaplesOrlandoMedian Salary$79,873$74,671Entry Level (P10)$64,842$61,573Top Earner (P90)$84,304$79,955US Median $74,332

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Naples and Orlando is $5,202 (6.97%). Naples's median is +7.45% compared to the US national median of $74,332.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Naples spans $19,462,Orlando spans $18,382. Naples has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Naples
P10 (Entry)$64,842
P25$73,088
Median$79,873
P75$81,580
P90 (Top)$84,304
Orlando
P10 (Entry)$61,573
P25$64,544
Median$74,671
P75$77,560
P90 (Top)$79,955

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Naples ($77,396 effective) pays 5.12% more than Orlando ($73,627 effective).

Naples
Nominal: $79,873
CoL Index: 103.2
Adjusted: $77,396
Orlando
Nominal: $74,671
CoL Index: 101.418
Adjusted: $73,627

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Naples if…

  • Higher median salary ($79,873/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($84,304)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,396)
  • You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle

Choose Orlando if…

  • Larger job market (350 employed)
  • You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Naples grew 13.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.1% growth in Orlando over the same period.

Naples, FL

+13.9%

$68,190 (2019) → $77,690 (2025)

Orlando, FL

+19.1%

$60,990 (2019) → $72,630 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Naples or Orlando?

Naples has a higher median occupational therapy assistant salary at $79,873/year, compared to Orlando at $74,671/year — a difference of $5,202 (6.97%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Naples and Orlando?

Naples occupational therapy assistants earn $38.40/hr while Orlando hygienists earn $35.90/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Naples to Orlando as a occupational therapy assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Naples and Orlando. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Naples = $77,396, Orlando = $73,627), job availability (50 vs 350 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Naples vs Orlando?

Entry-level (10th percentile) occupational therapy assistants earn $64,842 in Naples and $61,573 in Orlando. The Naples 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