Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Dallas, TX: $52.57 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Dallas, TX runs $52.57 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $109,357 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Dallas's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.1, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $51.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $65,608 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Dallas, Texas, the occupational therapist hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $52.57 in 2026. This figure significantly surpasses the national median hourly rate of $49.71, reflecting an hourly pay advantage for therapists in this region. For those working part-time—say, three days a week—this median rate translates to approximately $40,000 annually, providing a stable income for those balancing other commitments. For per-diem workers, opportunities abound in various settings such as hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and home health visits, with earnings ranging from $38.13 to $72.23 per hour depending on experience and specialization. Overall, the hourly rates in Dallas offer a promising opportunity for aspiring occupational therapists to find flexible work arrangements that can cater to their lifestyle preferences while maintaining competitive compensation based on the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projections.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.13 | $305.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.76 | $334.08 |
| Median (P50) | $52.57 | $420.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62.85 | $502.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $72.23 | $577.88 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dallas
Based on $52.57/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $52.57/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dallas, TX can expect to earn approximately $109,347 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $63,085. With a cost-of-living index of 103.09 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Dallas.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dallas
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,102.84 | $9,112 | $109,347 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,261.70 | $5,467 | $65,608 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $841.13 | $3,645 | $43,739 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Dallas) | $52.57 |
| 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 Dallas, TX earn a median of $109,357 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.76% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 3.60% above the Texas state average of $105,557.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $52.57/hr = $65,608/year (purchasing power: $63,642).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $109,347/year (purchasing power: $106,070).
CoL index: 103.09 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$41.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$51.01/hr
2026 Current Est.
$52.57/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+32.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Dallas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.10/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.89/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $49.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $51.01/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52.57/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54.18/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Dallas grew 24.4% from $41.00/hr (2019) to $51.01/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $54.18/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 Dallas 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 Dallas
Looking closer at potential earnings, an occupational therapist working part-time, averaging 24 hours a week, stands to make about $42,000 annually, which introduces a contrasting reality when compared to full-time positions. For per diem occupational therapists in Dallas, billing rates typically fall between $50 and $75 per hour, while certified hand therapists can command even higher rates, ranging from $80 to $110 hourly in cash-pay environments. Travel contracts for OTs can yield substantial weekly pay, often exceeding $1,800, reflecting the demand for flexibility and enhanced compensation. Hourly pay can markedly differ between employer types; for example, skilled nursing and outpatient clinics often offer lower rates while providing benefits, whereas school district contracts may opt for higher pay without insurance. When negotiating roles, therapists in Dallas should weigh the benefits alongside potential pay rates, ensuring they choose positions that offer both financial stability and desired work conditions.
More salary data for Dallas, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Dallas in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Dallas?
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How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Dallas?
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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 Dallas. 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