Occupational Therapist Pay

Dallas vs Sachse: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)

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

Dallas, TX
$109,357
$52.57/hr
Sachse, TX
$100,788
$48.46/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDallas, TXSachse, TX
Median Salary$109,357$100,788
Hourly Rate$52.57$48.46
Entry Level (P10)$79,315$76,246
25th Percentile$86,859$84,871
75th Percentile$130,721$115,645
Top Earner (P90)$150,241$128,208
Total Employed3,4505
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Dallas ($109,357) and Sachse ($100,788) occupational therapist salaries.DallasSachseMedian Salary$109,357$100,788Entry Level (P10)$79,315$76,246Top Earner (P90)$150,241$128,208US Median $103,400

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Dallas and Sachse is $8,569 (8.50%). 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 Dallas spans $70,926,Sachse spans $51,962. Dallas has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Dallas
P10 (Entry)$79,315
P25$86,859
Median$109,357
P75$130,721
P90 (Top)$150,241
Sachse
P10 (Entry)$76,246
P25$84,871
Median$100,788
P75$115,645
P90 (Top)$128,208

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Dallas ($106,079 effective) pays 1.04% more than Sachse ($104,988 effective).

Dallas
Nominal: $109,357
CoL Index: 103.09
Adjusted: $106,079
Sachse
Nominal: $100,788
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $104,988

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

Which City Is Right for You?

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

Choose Sachse if…

  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Dallas grew 24.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.8% growth in Sachse over the same period.

Dallas, TX

+24.4%

$85,280 (2019) → $106,110 (2025)

Sachse, TX

+8.8%

$89,867 (2024) → $97,795 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays occupational therapists more: Dallas or Sachse?

Dallas has a higher median occupational therapist salary at $109,357/year, compared to Sachse at $100,788/year — a difference of $8,569 (8.50%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and Sachse?

Dallas occupational therapists earn $52.57/hr while Sachse hygienists earn $48.46/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Dallas and Sachse. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Dallas = $106,079, Sachse = $104,988), job availability (3,450 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) occupational therapists earn $79,315 in Dallas and $76,246 in Sachse. 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