San Antonio vs Sugar Land: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between San Antonio, TX and Sugar Land, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Antonio, TX | Sugar Land, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $110,944▲ | $105,208 |
| Hourly Rate | $53.33▲ | $50.58 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,006▲ | $76,097 |
| 25th Percentile | $102,607▲ | $86,704 |
| 75th Percentile | $133,123▲ | $124,105 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $135,648 | $141,261▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,780▲ | 21 |
Verdict
San Antonio, TX offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Sugar Land.
The salary gap between San Antonio and Sugar Land is $5,736 (5.45%). 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 San Antonio spans $57,642,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, San Antonio ($117,133 effective) pays 6.88% more than Sugar Land ($109,592 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose San Antonio if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($110,944/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,780 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $117,133)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Sugar Land if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($141,261)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in San Antonio grew 50.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.8% growth in Sugar Land over the same period.
San Antonio, TX
$71,770 (2019) → $107,650 (2025)
Sugar Land, TX
$93,808 (2024) → $102,084 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Antonio, TX
Sugar Land, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: San Antonio or Sugar Land?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Antonio and Sugar Land?
Should I relocate from San Antonio to Sugar Land as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in San Antonio vs Sugar Land?
Related Comparisons
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