Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Austin, TX: $60.48 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Austin, TX runs $60.48 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $125,785 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Austin's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.1, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $61.67 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $75,474 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Occupational therapists in Austin, TX, can expect a median hourly pay of $60.48, a substantial figure compared to the national median of $49.71 per hour. This competitive rate benefits various professionals in the field, including part-time workers who may limit their hours to three days a week, as well as per-diem therapists who provide services across hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. The hourly pay ranges from $39.66 for entry-level positions (P10) up to $64.91 for highly experienced therapists (P90). These official Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates highlight the potential for a rewarding career in occupational therapy, whether in specialized settings like mental health facilities or through home health visits.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39.66 | $317.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.80 | $390.39 |
| Median (P50) | $60.48 | $483.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64.35 | $514.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.91 | $519.26 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Austin
Based on $60.48/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $60.48/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Austin, TX can expect to earn approximately $125,789 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $72,571. With a cost-of-living index of 98.07 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Austin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Austin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,419.02 | $10,482 | $125,789 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,451.41 | $6,289 | $75,474 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $967.61 | $4,193 | $50,316 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Austin) | $60.48 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $33.15 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist (National Avg) | $43.80 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapists in Austin, TX earn a median of $125,785 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.65% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 19.20% above the Texas state average of $105,524.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $60.48/hr = $75,474/year (purchasing power: $76,962).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $125,789/year (purchasing power: $128,270).
CoL index: 98.066 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$37.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.68/hr
2026 Current Est.
$60.48/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+67.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Austin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.51/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.86/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $50.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.68/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60.48/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62.33/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Austin grew 57.9% from $37.17/hr (2019) to $58.68/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $62.33/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Austin 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.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapist in Austin
For those considering a part-time schedule, working 24 hours a week can yield significant annual earnings, especially when compared to full-time employment. Many occupational therapists opt for per-diem roles, where they can command hourly rates between $50 to $75. In exclusive cash-pay practices, Certified Hand Therapists (CHTs) may even earn between $80 to $110 per hour, while travel contracts can net $1,800 to $2,800 weekly. Hourly rates also fluctuate depending on employer types, with skilled nursing facilities and outpatient hand therapy clinics often offering different remuneration compared to school contracts or early intervention programs. Some therapists might accept lower hourly wages for consistent health insurance benefits, a crucial consideration for many in the field. Negotiating pay in Austin requires an understanding of local market trends; articulate your value and be prepared to discuss specialized credentials like CHT for greater leverage in salary negotiations.
More salary data for Austin, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Austin in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Austin?
Are occupational therapists in Austin paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Austin?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Austin?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapists in Austin. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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