Average Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
Occupational Therapy Assistants in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL area earn an impressive average annual salary of $71,110. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $69,310, indicating a favorable compensation landscape for these professionals in the region. Local demand and the specific economic drivers within the Tampa Bay area contribute to this elevated pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $71,110 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 6.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $77,290.
- Outlook: The Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metropolitan area supports a robust workforce of approximately 600 Occupational Therapy Assistants. With a Location Quotient of 1.34, the concentration of these roles is significantly higher than the national average, suggesting strong and consistent demand for their services within this specific geographic market.
Salary Overview
The average Occupational Therapy Assistants in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL earns+2.6%above the national average.
$34.2
$1,368
$5,926
Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Occupational Therapy Assistants in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater area have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing healthcare compensation. This upward trajectory is likely driven by an aging population and a growing need for rehabilitative services.
Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary Distribution in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
Career progression for Occupational Therapy Assistants typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while senior or specialized OTAs can expect to earn significantly more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect this clear career ladder, rewarding accumulated expertise and responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $61,120 | $29.4 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $53,333 | $25.6 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $72,550 | $34.9 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $88,888 | $42.7 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $77,290 | $37.2 |
Detailed Occupational Therapy Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$71,110
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$71,110
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $71,110 in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of an OTA's salary in this region is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial foundation without the added pressure of higher living expenses.
Job Market Context
600
Total Jobs
0.417
Per 1K Jobs
1.34
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.34, Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Occupational Therapy Assistants roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.34 for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater signifies a market where these professionals are more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a healthy job market with potentially more opportunities and a slightly more competitive environment as employers seek to attract and retain skilled individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Occupational Therapy Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary | $67,180↓ 6% | 32 mi |
| North Florida nonmetropolitan area Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary | $70,850↓ 0% | 49 mi |
| Homosassa Springs, FL Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary | $66,460↓ 7% | 60 mi |
Comparing salaries near Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
Hiring Occupational Therapy Assistantss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistants make in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL?
The median annual salary for a Occupational Therapy Assistants in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL is $71,110. This typically ranges from $61,120 for entry-level positions to $77,290 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 2.6% higher than the national median of $69,310.
Is Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL a lucrative place for Occupational Therapy Assistants?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Occupational Therapy Assistants.The average salary of $71,110 is above the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, offering excellent earning potential.
Is Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL a good place to live for Occupational Therapy Assistants?
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 ($67,180) and North Florida nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater OTA salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater is $71,110, which is higher than the national average of $69,310.
What is the concentration of Occupational Therapy Assistants in the Tampa area?
The Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater area has a Location Quotient of 1.34 for Occupational Therapy Assistants, indicating a higher concentration than the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the salary for OTAs in Tampa?
No, the cost of living in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater is at the national average (100), meaning the higher nominal salary offers equivalent or better purchasing power compared to the national average.
How many Occupational Therapy Assistants work in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater area?
There are approximately 600 Occupational Therapy Assistants employed within the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 600 employees in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL area with a job density of 0.417 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Occupational Therapy Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL