Houston vs Sugar Land: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Houston, TX and Sugar Land, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | Sugar Land, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,750▲ | $105,208 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.32▲ | $50.58 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,201▲ | $76,097 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,869▲ | $86,704 |
| 75th Percentile | $128,928▲ | $124,105 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $145,026▲ | $141,261 |
| Total Employed | 2,700▲ | 21 |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sugar Land.
The salary gap between Houston and Sugar Land is $1,542 (1.47%). 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 Houston spans $63,825,Sugar Land spans $65,164. Sugar Land 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, Sugar Land ($109,592 effective) pays 1.25% 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 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
Choose Sugar Land if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,592)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Houston grew 20.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.8% growth in Sugar Land over the same period.
Houston, TX
$85,930 (2019) → $103,580 (2025)
Sugar Land, TX
$93,808 (2024) → $102,084 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
Sugar Land, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Houston or Sugar Land?
What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and Sugar Land?
Should I relocate from Houston to Sugar Land as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Houston vs Sugar Land?
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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