Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in DeLand, FL: $71,467 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in DeLand, FL earns a median $71,467/year (≈ $34.36/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in DeLand's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $70,900 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected occupational therapy assistant salary in DeLand, Florida, is estimated at $71,467 annually, reflecting a slight decline compared to the national median of $74,332. Local salaries range from $55,343 for entry-level roles to $87,886 for those in advanced positions, and these figures are influenced by cost adjustments in the region. The employment landscape is shaped by the dynamics between skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), schools, and hospitals. The recent cuts to Medicare reimbursements have put pressure on pay structures across settings, impacting the earning potential of occupational therapy assistants, particularly in SNFs and outpatient centers.
About the DeLand Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,343 | $26.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63,736 | $30.64 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $71,467 | $34.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,475 | $37.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87,886 | $42.25 |
Median Salary Position
3.85% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in DeLand
In DeLand, FL, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $32,543 (2026 est.). At $71,467, the local median is 3.85% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in DeLand: You'd be above the median
How DeLand Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
DeLand median: $71,467/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | DeLand Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $73,678 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -3.85% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in DeLand, FL earn a median of $71,467 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.85% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 3.00% below the Florida state average of $73,678.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
DeLand has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
DeLand, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $71,467 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $70,900 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$59,140
2025 BLS Actual
$69,514
2026 Current Est.
$71,467
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in DeLand (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,140 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,515 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,351 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,774 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,428 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,464 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,514 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,467 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,476 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the DeLand metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $59,140 (2019) to $69,514 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $73,476 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,336 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the DeLand 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) | $55,343 – $63,736 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $63,736 – $71,467 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $71,467 – $78,475 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,475 – $87,886 |
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 DeLand
The job market in DeLand comprises only seven occupational therapy assistants, creating a compact yet competitive environment for practitioners. The cost of living index sits at 100.8, slightly above the national average, which can affect disposable income and overall financial well-being. Those seeking higher wages should consider opportunities in hospital inpatient rehabilitation settings, where pay tends to be more favorable due to productivity expectations and urgent care needs. Factors influencing the disparity between pay scales include the setting of work, the frequency of weekend or PRN shifts, and the impact of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut on salaries. To maximize earnings, candidates should explore diverse employment options, consider year-round roles, and seek continuing education pathways, such as transitions from COTA to MOT, which can broaden job prospects and enhance compensation potential.
More salary data for DeLand, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in DeLand?
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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 $69,514 for occupational therapy assistantsin the DeLand 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 DeLand 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