Healthcare Texas (TX) Rank #25 of 50

Occupational Therapist Salary in Texas

The median occupational therapist salary in Texas is $87,589 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $93,180.

Median Salary
$87,589
vs National
$-5,591
State Rank
#25 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Occupational Therapist Salary Overview in Texas (2026)

Texas ranks #25 out of 50 states for occupational therapist compensation. Texas falls in the middle of the pack for occupational therapist pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $87,589 per year, occupational therapists in Texas earn $5,591 less than the national median of $93,180.

A key advantage of working in Texas is its below-average cost of living (92% of the national index). This means the $87,589 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $95,205 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Texas is significant: occupational therapists at the 10th percentile earn $58,280, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $119,859 — a $61,579 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Texas for this role is Austin, where the median reaches $99,703.

Nationally, occupational therapist employment is projected to grow 12% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Texas and beyond.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Texas by Experience

In Texas, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $60,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $112,800 per year. The cost of living index in Texas is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$60,160
$-3,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$87,420
$-5,580 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$112,800
$-7,200 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Texas

Percentile TX Salary
10th Percentile $58,280
25th Percentile $72,568
Median (50th) $87,589
75th Percentile $103,212
90th Percentile $119,859

Occupational Therapist Salary by City in Texas

The largest employment areas for occupational therapists in Texas include Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Occupational Therapist in Texas

Education

Most occupational therapist positions require a master's degree. Texas has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Therapeutic ActivitiesPatient AssessmentAdaptive EquipmentDocumentationRehabilitationCommunication

Job Outlook in Texas

Nationally, occupational therapist employment is projected to grow 12% over the next decade (much faster than average). Texas's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Texas

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in Texas? ▼
The median occupational therapist salary in Texas is $87,589 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $93,180. Salaries range from $58,280 (10th percentile) to $119,859 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapist make per hour in Texas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $87,589, a occupational therapist in Texas earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Texas a good state for occupational therapists? ▼
Texas ranks #25 out of 50 states for occupational therapist pay. The cost of living index is 92% of the national average. Entry-level occupational therapists earn $60,160, while senior professionals earn $112,800.
How does Texas compare to other states for occupational therapist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for occupational therapists is Hawaii at $165,860. Texas's median of $87,589 ranks #25 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Illinois ($90,385) and Utah ($90,385).
What is the entry-level occupational therapist salary in Texas? ▼
An entry-level occupational therapist in Texas earns approximately $60,160 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $87,420. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $112,800.
What city in Texas pays occupational therapists the most? ▼
Austin is the highest paying city in Texas for occupational therapists, with a median salary of $99,703. Other cities include Houston and Dallas.