Occupational Therapist Salary in Daytona Beach, FL: $99,284 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Daytona Beach, FL earns a median $99,284/year (≈ $47.74/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Daytona Beach's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $98,496 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the occupational therapist salary in Daytona Beach, FL, is projected to reach a median annual salary of $99,284, slightly below the national median of $103,400. This competitive figure falls within a salary range of $72,461 at the 10th percentile to $133,140 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and regional price parity adjustments, reflect the demand for occupational therapy professionals in various settings, including hospitals, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), and schools. The choice between working year-round in clinics and educational environments can significantly influence earning potential, as therapists in inpatient rehab often earn more than those in school contracts. The job market in Daytona Beach shows promise, inviting new graduates and seasoned therapists alike.
About the Daytona Beach Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,461 | $34.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $82,121 | $39.48 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $99,284 | $47.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $117,659 | $56.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $133,140 | $64.01 |
Median Salary Position
3.98% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Daytona Beach
In Daytona Beach, FL, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $60,679 (2026 est.). At $99,284, the local median is 3.98% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Daytona Beach: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Daytona Beach Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Daytona Beach median: $99,284/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Daytona Beach Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $101,310 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -3.98% less |
Occupational Therapists in Daytona Beach, FL earn a median of $99,284 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.98% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 2.00% below the Florida state average of $101,310.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Daytona Beach has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Daytona Beach, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $99,284 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $98,496 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$81,568
2025 BLS Actual
$96,336
2026 Current Est.
$99,284
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Daytona Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $81,568 | Actual |
| 2020 | $82,845 | Actual |
| 2021 | $82,164 | Actual |
| 2022 | $89,471 | Actual |
| 2023 | $92,534 | Actual |
| 2024 | $90,241 | Actual |
| 2025 | $96,336 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $99,284 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $102,322 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Daytona Beach metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $81,568 (2019) to $96,336 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $102,322 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,754 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Daytona Beach 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 3.06% 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) | $72,461 – $82,121 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $82,121 – $99,284 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $99,284 – $117,659 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $117,659 – $133,140 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Daytona Beach
An analysis of the local job market reveals that 14 occupational therapists are currently employed in Daytona Beach, highlighting an intimate professional community. The cost of living index for the area is 100.8, which is slightly above the national average, implying that take-home pay must compensate accordingly to maintain a comfortable lifestyle. Skilled nursing facilities and hospital systems typically offer the highest pay, while outpatient hand therapy clinics and school districts provide more limited income potential. Factors contributing to the range in compensation include setting variations, potential stipends for board certifications such as Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), and differing productivity expectations. To maximize occupational therapist pay in Daytona Beach FL, professionals should consider pursuing specialized certifications and prioritize employment in facilities that service a year-round patient base, avoiding the typically lower-paying school contracts.
More salary data for Daytona Beach, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Daytona Beach, FL in 2026?
Is Daytona Beach, FL a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Daytona Beach?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Daytona Beach?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Daytona Beach?
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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.
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 $96,336 for occupational therapistsin the Daytona Beach metropolitan area. A 3.06% 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 Daytona Beach 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 3.06%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapists (SOC 29-1122).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov