Occupational Therapist Pay

San Antonio vs Temple: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)

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

San Antonio, TX
$110,944
$53.33/hr
Temple, TX
$99,189
$47.69/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSan Antonio, TXTemple, TX
Median Salary$110,944$99,189
Hourly Rate$53.33$47.69
Entry Level (P10)$78,006$73,903
25th Percentile$102,607$83,100
75th Percentile$133,123$116,395
Top Earner (P90)$135,648$131,473
Total Employed1,78014
Side-by-side bar chart comparing San Antonio ($110,944) and Temple ($99,189) occupational therapist salaries.San AntonioTempleMedian Salary$110,944$99,189Entry Level (P10)$78,006$73,903Top Earner (P90)$135,648$131,473US Median $103,400

Verdict

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

The salary gap between San Antonio and Temple is $11,755 (11.85%). 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,Temple spans $57,570. San Antonio has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

San Antonio
P10 (Entry)$78,006
P25$102,607
Median$110,944
P75$133,123
P90 (Top)$135,648
Temple
P10 (Entry)$73,903
P25$83,100
Median$99,189
P75$116,395
P90 (Top)$131,473

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, San Antonio ($117,133 effective) pays 13.37% more than Temple ($103,322 effective).

San Antonio
Nominal: $110,944
CoL Index: 94.716
Adjusted: $117,133
Temple
Nominal: $99,189
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $103,322

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)
  • 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

Choose Temple if…

  • 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 4.2% growth in Temple over the same period.

San Antonio, TX

+50.0%

$71,770 (2019) → $107,650 (2025)

Temple, TX

+4.2%

$92,375 (2024) → $96,244 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

San Antonio has a higher median occupational therapist salary at $110,944/year, compared to Temple at $99,189/year — a difference of $11,755 (11.85%).

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

San Antonio occupational therapists earn $53.33/hr while Temple hygienists earn $47.69/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing San Antonio and Temple. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: San Antonio = $117,133, Temple = $103,322), job availability (1,780 vs 14 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) occupational therapists earn $78,006 in San Antonio and $73,903 in Temple. 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