Average Occupational Therapists Salary in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
Occupational Therapists in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL area earn an average annual salary of $94,200. This figure is slightly below the national average of $99,240, indicating a localized compensation structure influenced by regional economic factors and demand. While not reaching the national benchmark, this salary reflects the specific market dynamics within this Florida metropolitan area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $94,200 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $110,890.
- Outlook: The Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metropolitan area supports a robust workforce of 1,610 Occupational Therapists. With a Location Quotient of 1.13, the concentration of these professionals is slightly higher than the national average, suggesting a healthy and established demand for their services within the region. The presence of 1.118 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the consistent need for skilled occupational therapy practitioners in this locale.
Salary Overview
The average Occupational Therapists in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL earns-5.1%below the national average.
$45.3
$1,812
$7,850
Occupational Therapists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this region isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Occupational Therapists in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing healthcare needs, an aging population, and advancements in therapeutic techniques likely contribute to a sustained upward pressure on compensation for these vital healthcare professionals.
Occupational Therapists Salary Distribution in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
Career progression for Occupational Therapists in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater typically correlates with experience, leading to significant salary increases. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries in the higher percentiles, often exceeding $100,000 annually. These percentile gaps clearly signify the career trajectory and earning potential available through dedicated professional development.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $72,800 | $35 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $70,650 | $34 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $98,470 | $47.3 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $117,750 | $56.6 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $110,890 | $53.3 |
Detailed Occupational Therapists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$94,200
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$94,200
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $94,200 for Occupational Therapists in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of an OT's salary in this area is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial environment for residents without the added burden of higher living expenses.
Job Market Context
1,610
Total Jobs
1.118
Per 1K Jobs
1.13
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.13, Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Occupational Therapists roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.13, the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metropolitan area demonstrates a slightly higher concentration of Occupational Therapists compared to the national average. This suggests a competitive yet accessible job market where demand is present and potentially growing, offering good opportunities for both new entrants and experienced professionals seeking employment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Occupational Therapists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL Occupational Therapists Salary | $95,220↑ 1% | 32 mi |
| North Florida nonmetropolitan area Occupational Therapists Salary | $97,430↑ 3% | 49 mi |
| South Florida nonmetropolitan area Occupational Therapists Salary | $100,830↑ 7% | 49 mi |
| Homosassa Springs, FL Occupational Therapists Salary | $98,560↑ 5% | 60 mi |
| Wildwood-The Villages, FL Occupational Therapists Salary | $101,710↑ 8% | 63 mi |
Comparing salaries near Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
Hiring Occupational Therapistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Occupational Therapists make in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL?
The median annual salary for a Occupational Therapists in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL is $94,200. This typically ranges from $72,800 for entry-level positions to $110,890 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL is 5.1% lower than the national median of $99,240.
Is Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL a lucrative place for Occupational Therapists?
Yes, it offers competitive compensation relative to its cost of living.Occupational Therapists earn $94,200 annually, which is close to the national average, while the cost of living is exactly at the national average, providing strong purchasing power.
Is Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL a good place to live for Occupational Therapists?
The Cost of Living Index in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL ($95,220) and North Florida nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Tampa OT salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Occupational Therapists in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater is $94,200, which is slightly lower than the national average of $99,240.
What is the cost of living in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater for OTs?
The cost of living in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater is at the national average, indicated by an index of 100, making the $94,200 salary hold its value effectively.
Is there high demand for Occupational Therapists in this area?
Yes, the Location Quotient of 1.13 and 1.118 jobs per 1,000 workers suggest a demand slightly above the national average, indicating a healthy job market.
How much does experience impact an OT's salary in Tampa?
Experience significantly impacts salary, with senior Occupational Therapists earning considerably more than entry-level practitioners, reflecting career growth and specialization.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,610 employees in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL area with a job density of 1.118 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Occupational Therapists Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
- All Occupations Salary in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
- Management Occupations Salary in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
- Construction and Extraction Occupations Salary in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
- Browse All Jobs in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Occupational Therapists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL