Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Palm Beach Gardens, FL: $71,616 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Palm Beach Gardens, FL earns a median $71,616/year (≈ $34.43/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Palm Beach Gardens's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $71,048 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% below the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida are projected to earn a median annual salary of $71,616 by 2026, reflecting local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors. The salary range for this profession spans from a lower percentile of $51,713 to an upper percentile of $88,192. Given these figures, those aspiring to enter the field or considering a transition from a COTA to a MOT program should recognize the potential for increased lifetime earnings through advanced education and credentials. As Palm Beach Gardens continues to develop its healthcare landscape, the demand for skilled occupational therapy assistants remains robust, making this a favorable time to pursue opportunities in this sector.
About the Palm Beach Gardens Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,713 | $24.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61,343 | $29.50 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $71,616 | $34.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,285 | $37.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88,192 | $42.40 |
Median Salary Position
3.65% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Palm Beach Gardens
In Palm Beach Gardens, FL, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $36,479 (2026 est.). At $71,616, the local median is 3.65% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Palm Beach Gardens: You'd be above the median
How Palm Beach Gardens Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Palm Beach Gardens median: $71,616/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Palm Beach Gardens Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $73,679 | -2.80% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -3.65% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Palm Beach Gardens, FL earn a median of $71,616 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.65% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 2.80% below the Florida state average of $73,679.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Palm Beach Gardens has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Palm Beach Gardens, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $71,616 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $71,048 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$59,263
2025 BLS Actual
$69,659
2026 Current Est.
$71,616
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Palm Beach Gardens (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,263 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,641 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,475 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,903 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,562 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,602 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,659 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,616 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,629 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Palm Beach Gardens metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $59,263 (2019) to $69,659 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $73,629 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,366 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Palm Beach Gardens 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) | $51,713 – $61,343 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $61,343 – $71,616 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $71,616 – $78,285 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,285 – $88,192 |
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 Palm Beach Gardens
The job market in Palm Beach Gardens currently employs nine occupational therapy assistants, indicating limited but notable competition. With a cost of living index of 100.8, professionals in this area need to be mindful of their purchasing power, which is slightly above the national average. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation services generally offer the most competitive rates of pay. Factors contributing to the disparity between salaries include working environments, with hospital positions typically offering higher compensation compared to outpatient clinics or school districts. Additionally, aspects like weekend shifts or PRN positions may yield premium pay rates. To maximize salaries, occupational therapy assistants should actively seek employment in high-paying sectors, consider taking on additional hours in settings that provide higher reimbursements, and remain informed about evolving Medicare regulations that can impact overall compensation.
More salary data for Palm Beach Gardens, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Palm Beach Gardens, FL in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Palm Beach Gardens?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapy assistant salary in Palm Beach Gardens?
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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 $69,659 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Palm Beach Gardens 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 Palm Beach Gardens 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