Entry-Level Occupational Therapist Salary in Hurst, TX: $72,010 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapists entering the Hurst, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $72,010 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1122, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hurst's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $75,010 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($102,540) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates stepping into the field of occupational therapy in Hurst, TX, can expect a starting salary of around $72,010 in 2026. This figure is notably lower than the median annual salary for all occupational therapists in Hurst, which is projected to be $102,540. This gap indicates that while new therapists start at a competitive level, there is a potential for substantial salary growth as they gain experience and develop their skills. Over the first few years of their careers, entry-level professionals can anticipate movement toward the 25th percentile, with salaries reaching approximately $88,484 as they adapt to the workforce. The current job market in Hurst presents promising opportunities for new graduates, bolstered by a supportive healthcare community eager to integrate fresh talent into various settings.
About the Hurst Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hurst
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hurst
Entry-level occupational therapists in Hurst, TX typically start between $72,010 and $88,484 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $55,514 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $102,540 — 0.83% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Texas of $100,000 represents just 138.87% of the starting occupational therapist pay ($72,010/year) in Hurst. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACOTE-accredited Master's and Doctoral occupational therapy programs. Tuition varies between public in-state and private institution programs; MOT programs typically run 2-3 years post-bachelor's.
OT, OTR Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Hurst
- 1Research the Hurst market: entry-level occupational therapist pay ranges from $72,010 to $88,484, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the occupational therapy field — employers in TX often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Hurst, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Hurst for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Hurst's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Occupational Therapist Compensation Range
The occupational therapist wage spread in Hurst is $55,514 ( 77.09%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $72,010, experienced hygienists can earn up to $127,524.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$55,360
2025 BLS Actual
$69,872
2026 Current Est.
$72,010
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Hurst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,360 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,876 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,141 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,714 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,556 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,161 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,872 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,010 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,214 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Hurst, TX grew 26.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $55,360 in 2019 to $69,872 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $74,214. New graduates entering the Hurst job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hurst metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.06% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your occupational therapy Career in Hurst
In Hurst, several key employers actively seek to onboard new graduates into their occupational therapy practices. Hospital systems frequently offer residency programs which provide valuable training and promote specialty certifications, making them an attractive option for many aspiring therapists. Additionally, local school districts employ new graduates on summer-off contracts, allowing for the development of a varied work experience. Skilled nursing facilities also represent a significant source of employment, though they tend to place pressing productivity demands on staff. To enhance starting pay and career prospects, new therapists should pursue an MOT or OTD from an ACOTE-accredited program, pass the NBCOT national exam, and obtain a state OT license. Consideration of optional board certifications such as the CHT can provide substantial pay benefits, as this specialized credential is particularly valued in the Texas market. With a steady growth trajectory expected, entry-level therapists can realistically increase their earnings within the first few years by continuing to build their skills and credentials, keeping pace with evolving industry standards.
More salary data for Hurst, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapists in Hurst in 2026?
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Is occupational therapy school worth it in Hurst?
What do new occupational therapists make right out of school in Hurst?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new occupational therapy graduates. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Hurst. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hurst is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.06%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapists (SOC 29-1122).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov