Occupational Therapist Pay

Margate vs Miami: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare occupational therapist salaries between Margate, FL and Miami, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Margate, FL
$98,401
$47.30/hr
Miami, FL
$104,585
$50.28/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMargate, FLMiami, FL
Median Salary$98,401$104,585
Hourly Rate$47.30$50.28
Entry Level (P10)$71,237$68,710
25th Percentile$81,183$83,324
75th Percentile$114,214$109,738
Top Earner (P90)$128,334$124,610
Total Employed132,550
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Margate ($98,401) and Miami ($104,585) occupational therapist salaries.MargateMiamiMedian Salary$98,401$104,585Entry Level (P10)$71,237$68,710Top Earner (P90)$128,334$124,610US Median $103,400

Verdict

Miami, FL offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Margate.

The salary gap between Margate and Miami is $6,184 (6.28%). Miami's median is +1.15% compared to the US national median of $103,400.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Margate spans $57,097,Miami spans $55,900. Margate has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Margate
P10 (Entry)$71,237
P25$81,183
Median$98,401
P75$114,214
P90 (Top)$128,334
Miami
P10 (Entry)$68,710
P25$83,324
Median$104,585
P75$109,738
P90 (Top)$124,610

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Margate ($97,620 effective) pays 6.55% more than Miami ($91,617 effective).

Margate
Nominal: $98,401
CoL Index: 100.8
Adjusted: $97,620
Miami
Nominal: $104,585
CoL Index: 114.155
Adjusted: $91,617

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Margate if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($128,334)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $97,620)
  • You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle

Choose Miami if…

  • Higher median salary ($104,585/year)
  • Larger job market (2,550 employed)
  • You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Margate grew 6.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.3% growth in Miami over the same period.

Margate, FL

+6.0%

$90,079 (2024) → $95,479 (2025)

Miami, FL

+30.3%

$77,880 (2019) → $101,480 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays occupational therapists more: Margate or Miami?

Miami has a higher median occupational therapist salary at $104,585/year, compared to Margate at $98,401/year — a difference of $6,184 (6.28%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Margate and Miami?

Margate occupational therapists earn $47.30/hr while Miami hygienists earn $50.28/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Margate to Miami as a occupational therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Margate and Miami. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Margate = $97,620, Miami = $91,617), job availability (13 vs 2,550 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Margate vs Miami?

Entry-level (10th percentile) occupational therapists earn $71,237 in Margate and $68,710 in Miami. The Margate area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JM

Written by Jordan Miller, OTR/L

Career Analyst

Jordan has 10 years of experience in occupational therapy. They specialize in pediatrics and work in a rehabilitation clinic.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Chen, OTR/LData verified by Luis Garcia, OTR/L

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov