Occupational Therapist Pay

Lufkin vs San Antonio: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare occupational therapist salaries between Lufkin, TX and San Antonio, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Lufkin, TX
$100,149
$48.15/hr
San Antonio, TX
$110,944
$53.33/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLufkin, TXSan Antonio, TX
Median Salary$100,149$110,944
Hourly Rate$48.15$53.33
Entry Level (P10)$74,732$78,006
25th Percentile$83,571$102,607
75th Percentile$114,324$133,123
Top Earner (P90)$125,934$135,648
Total Employed81,780
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Lufkin ($100,149) and San Antonio ($110,944) occupational therapist salaries.LufkinSan AntonioMedian Salary$100,149$110,944Entry Level (P10)$74,732$78,006Top Earner (P90)$125,934$135,648US Median $103,400

Verdict

San Antonio, TX offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lufkin.

The salary gap between Lufkin and San Antonio is $10,795 (10.78%). San Antonio's median is +7.30% compared to the US national median of $103,400.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lufkin spans $51,202,San Antonio spans $57,642. San Antonio has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapists.

Lufkin
P10 (Entry)$74,732
P25$83,571
Median$100,149
P75$114,324
P90 (Top)$125,934
San Antonio
P10 (Entry)$78,006
P25$102,607
Median$110,944
P75$133,123
P90 (Top)$135,648

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, San Antonio ($117,133 effective) pays 12.28% more than Lufkin ($104,322 effective).

Lufkin
Nominal: $100,149
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $104,322
San Antonio
Nominal: $110,944
CoL Index: 94.716
Adjusted: $117,133

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Lufkin if…

  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose San Antonio if…

  • Higher median salary ($110,944/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($135,648)
  • Larger job market (1,780 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $117,133)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Lufkin grew 8.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 50.0% growth in San Antonio over the same period.

Lufkin, TX

+8.8%

$89,297 (2024) → $97,175 (2025)

San Antonio, TX

+50.0%

$71,770 (2019) → $107,650 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays occupational therapists more: Lufkin or San Antonio?

San Antonio has a higher median occupational therapist salary at $110,944/year, compared to Lufkin at $100,149/year — a difference of $10,795 (10.78%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Lufkin and San Antonio?

Lufkin occupational therapists earn $48.15/hr while San Antonio hygienists earn $53.33/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Lufkin to San Antonio as a occupational therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Lufkin and San Antonio. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Lufkin = $104,322, San Antonio = $117,133), job availability (8 vs 1,780 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Lufkin vs San Antonio?

Entry-level (10th percentile) occupational therapists earn $74,732 in Lufkin and $78,006 in San Antonio. The San Antonio 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