Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Deerfield Beach, FL: $72,288 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Deerfield Beach, FL earns a median $72,288/year (≈ $34.75/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Deerfield Beach's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $71,714 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.9% below the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Deerfield Beach, Florida, the anticipated compensation for occupational therapy assistants is projected to be $72,288 annually in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $74,332. This local salary falls within a broad range that can vary significantly, with the lowest earners making around $51,375 and the highest reaching approximately $90,152. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional pricing factors, indicate that while the salary may lag slightly behind national averages, there remains substantial earning potential in this profession. Given Deerfield Beach's unique market characteristics, including a 2.81% projected annual growth rate, there is notable demand for occupational therapy assistants, making this an appealing career choice for those entering the field or looking to advance their practice.
About the Deerfield Beach Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,375 | $24.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61,134 | $29.39 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $72,288 | $34.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,865 | $38.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90,152 | $43.34 |
Median Salary Position
2.75% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Deerfield Beach
In Deerfield Beach, FL, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,777 (2026 est.). At $72,288, the local median is 2.75% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Deerfield Beach: You'd be above the median
How Deerfield Beach Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Deerfield Beach median: $72,288/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Deerfield Beach Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $73,688 | -1.90% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -2.75% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Deerfield Beach, FL earn a median of $72,288 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.75% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.90% below the Florida state average of $73,688.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Deerfield Beach has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Deerfield Beach, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $72,288 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $71,714 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$59,819
2025 BLS Actual
$70,312
2026 Current Est.
$72,288
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Deerfield Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,819 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,209 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,033 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,483 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,167 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,226 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,312 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,288 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,319 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Deerfield Beach metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $59,819 (2019) to $70,312 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $74,319 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,500 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Deerfield Beach 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) | $51,375 – $61,134 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $61,134 – $72,288 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $72,288 – $79,865 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,865 – $90,152 |
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 Deerfield Beach
In Deerfield Beach, the local job market for occupational therapy assistants consists of a modest pool of 12 professionals, contributing to a competitive environment. With a cost-of-living index of 100.8, the purchasing power of earnings in this area is slightly above the national average, which influences how occupational therapy assistant pay in Deerfield Beach FL translates into daily life. Among the top-paying employers for COTAs are skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics, although disparities in pay are influenced by various factors including the setting of employment, productivity expectations, and the impact of the recent 15% Medicare reimbursement cut on service delivery. To maximize their income, occupational therapy assistants should consider opportunities that offer productivity bonuses or higher pay for weekend and PRN work. Those interested in bridging to a Master’s degree also have the chance to enhance their career potential and earning power within this growing sector.
More salary data for Deerfield Beach, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Deerfield Beach, FL in 2026?
Is Deerfield Beach, FL a good place to work as a occupational therapy assistant?
Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Deerfield Beach?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapy assistant salary in Deerfield Beach?
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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 $70,312 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Deerfield Beach 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 Deerfield Beach 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