Healthcare Houston, TX Pop. 2,304,580

Occupational Therapist Salary in Houston, Texas

The median occupational therapist salary in Houston, TX is $91,316 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 4.3% above the Texas state average.

City Median
$91,316
vs State Avg
+$3,727
vs National
$-1,864
Cost of Living
96%

Occupational Therapist Pay in Houston: What to Expect (2026)

Houston offers a median occupational therapist salary of $91,316, which is $3,727 above the Texas state average of $87,589. Compared to the national median of $93,180, Houston pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Houston's cost of living is 96% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for occupational therapists in Houston spans from $60,760 at the 10th percentile to $124,960 at the 90th percentile — a $64,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $62,720, while senior occupational therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $117,600. As a major metro area with a population of 2,304,580, Houston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Houston by Experience

In Houston, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $62,720, while experienced professionals earn up to $117,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$62,720
$-1,280 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$91,140
$-1,860 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$117,600
$-2,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Houston, TX

Percentile Houston
10th Percentile $60,760
25th Percentile $75,656
Median (50th) $91,316
75th Percentile $107,604
90th Percentile $124,960

Occupational Therapist Salary in Other Texas Cities

Austin, TX
$99,703
Pop. 978,908
Dallas, TX
$95,044
Pop. 1,304,379
Fort Worth, TX
$87,589
Pop. 918,915
San Antonio, TX
$83,862
Pop. 1,434,625

How to Become a Occupational Therapist in Houston

Education

Most occupational therapist positions require a master's degree. Houston and the surrounding Texas area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Therapeutic ActivitiesPatient AssessmentAdaptive EquipmentDocumentationRehabilitationCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, occupational therapist employment is projected to grow 12% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Houston may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Occupational Therapist Jobs in Houston

Browse open occupational therapist positions in Houston, TX:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Houston

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in Houston, TX? ▼
The median occupational therapist salary in Houston, Texas is $91,316 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $93,180. Salaries range from $60,760 (10th percentile) to $124,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapist make per hour in Houston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $91,316, a occupational therapist in Houston earns approximately $44 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Houston compare to the Texas state average for occupational therapist pay? ▼
Houston's median occupational therapist salary of $91,316 is 4.3% above the Texas state average of $87,589. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Houston, TX? ▼
Houston has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapist salary of $91,316 in Houston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapist in Houston? ▼
Most occupational therapist positions in Houston require a master's degree. Key skills include Therapeutic Activities, Patient Assessment, Adaptive Equipment, Documentation. The job market is projected to grow 12% nationally over the next decade.