Occupational Therapist Pay

Bastrop vs Dallas: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare occupational therapist salaries between Bastrop, TX and Dallas, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Bastrop, TX
$100,773
$48.45/hr
Dallas, TX
$109,357
$52.57/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBastrop, TXDallas, TX
Median Salary$100,773$109,357
Hourly Rate$48.45$52.57
Entry Level (P10)$75,457$79,315
25th Percentile$83,867$86,859
75th Percentile$113,770$130,721
Top Earner (P90)$124,134$150,241
Total Employed63,450
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Bastrop ($100,773) and Dallas ($109,357) occupational therapist salaries.BastropDallasMedian Salary$100,773$109,357Entry Level (P10)$75,457$79,315Top Earner (P90)$124,134$150,241US Median $103,400

Verdict

Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bastrop.

The salary gap between Bastrop and Dallas is $8,584 (8.52%). Dallas's median is +5.76% compared to the US national median of $103,400.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bastrop spans $48,677,Dallas spans $70,926. Dallas has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapists.

Bastrop
P10 (Entry)$75,457
P25$83,867
Median$100,773
P75$113,770
P90 (Top)$124,134
Dallas
P10 (Entry)$79,315
P25$86,859
Median$109,357
P75$130,721
P90 (Top)$150,241

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Dallas ($106,079 effective) pays 1.05% more than Bastrop ($104,972 effective).

Bastrop
Nominal: $100,773
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $104,972
Dallas
Nominal: $109,357
CoL Index: 103.09
Adjusted: $106,079

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Bastrop if…

  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Dallas if…

  • Higher median salary ($109,357/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($150,241)
  • Larger job market (3,450 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,079)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Bastrop grew 8.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 24.4% growth in Dallas over the same period.

Bastrop, TX

+8.8%

$89,854 (2024) → $97,781 (2025)

Dallas, TX

+24.4%

$85,280 (2019) → $106,110 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays occupational therapists more: Bastrop or Dallas?

Dallas has a higher median occupational therapist salary at $109,357/year, compared to Bastrop at $100,773/year — a difference of $8,584 (8.52%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Bastrop and Dallas?

Bastrop occupational therapists earn $48.45/hr while Dallas hygienists earn $52.57/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Bastrop to Dallas as a occupational therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Bastrop and Dallas. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Bastrop = $104,972, Dallas = $106,079), job availability (6 vs 3,450 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Bastrop vs Dallas?

Entry-level (10th percentile) occupational therapists earn $75,457 in Bastrop and $79,315 in Dallas. The Dallas 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