Harlingen vs Houston: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Harlingen, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Harlingen, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,171 | $106,750▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.09 | $51.32▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,615 | $81,201▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $88,244▲ | $87,869 |
| 75th Percentile | $119,241 | $128,928▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $133,076 | $145,026▲ |
| Total Employed | 14 | 2,700▲ |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Harlingen.
The salary gap between Harlingen and Houston is $2,579 (2.48%). Houston's median is +3.24% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Harlingen spans $59,461,Houston spans $63,825. Houston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Harlingen ($108,511 effective) pays 0.26% more than Houston ($108,234 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Harlingen if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,511)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,750/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($145,026)
- ✓Larger job market (2,700 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Harlingen grew 6.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.5% growth in Houston over the same period.
Harlingen, TX
$94,797 (2024) → $101,078 (2025)
Houston, TX
$85,930 (2019) → $103,580 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Harlingen, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Harlingen or Houston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Harlingen and Houston?
Should I relocate from Harlingen to Houston as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Harlingen vs Houston?
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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
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