Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Ocala, FL: $72,526 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Ocala, FL earns a median $72,526/year (≈ $34.87/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Ocala's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $71,950 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.6% below the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, occupational therapy assistants in Ocala can expect a median annual salary of $72,526, which is slightly below the national median of $74,332. Their compensation typically ranges from $54,116 at the lower end (P10) to a maximum of $91,123 (P90), offering a diverse income potential depending on experience, setting, and responsibilities. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS estimates, adjusted for regional price parities, and reflect the realities following recent Medicare policy cuts that have impacted compensation structures across various work environments. Those seeking to enter this field in Ocala will find that employment opportunities are concentrated in skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics, which are pivotal in shaping the area's occupational therapy job market.
About the Ocala Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,116 | $26.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63,209 | $30.39 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $72,526 | $34.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80,366 | $38.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91,123 | $43.81 |
Median Salary Position
2.43% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ocala
In Ocala, FL, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,007 (2026 est.). At $72,526, the local median is 2.43% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Ocala: You'd be above the median
How Ocala Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Ocala median: $72,526/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ocala Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $73,706 | -1.60% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -2.43% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Ocala, FL earn a median of $72,526 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.43% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.60% below the Florida state average of $73,706.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ocala has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ocala, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $72,526 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $71,950 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$64,010
2025 BLS Actual
$70,544
2026 Current Est.
$72,526
2019–2027 Growth
+16.5%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Ocala (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,010 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,730 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,510 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,860 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,040 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,449 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,544 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,526 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,564 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ocala metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 10.2% from $64,010 (2019) to $70,544 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $74,564 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,554 (16.49%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ocala 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) | $54,116 – $63,209 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $63,209 – $72,526 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $72,526 – $80,366 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $80,366 – $91,123 |
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 Ocala
As of the latest estimates, Ocala employs 14 occupational therapy assistants, a modest figure given the increasing demand for rehabilitative services. With a cost-of-living index at 100.8, the purchasing power for these professionals remains stable although slightly above the national average. The highest-paid positions are typically found in hospital inpatient rehabilitation settings, which tend to offer better salaries than skilled nursing facilities or school districts. Factors such as service setting, productivity expectations, and the ongoing effects of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut significantly influence the salary range; those in year-round contracts often earn more than colleagues in school-related roles. To maximize pay in Ocala, aspiring occupational therapy assistants should consider diversifying their skill sets, pursuing contracts with various healthcare providers, and remaining adaptable to shifts in local demand for therapy services.
More salary data for Ocala, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Ocala, FL in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Ocala?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapy assistant salary in Ocala?
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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 $70,544 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Ocala 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 Ocala 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