Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Galveston, TX: $50.88 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Galveston, TX runs $50.88 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $105,841 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Galveston's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $53.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,499 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Galveston, Texas, the projected hourly rate for occupational therapists in 2026 is $50.88, slightly higher than the national median hourly rate of $49.71. This competitive rate offers a solid income for part-time OTs who may work three days a week, translating to a viable earnings strategy for those in various settings such as hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient therapy clinics. Additionally, for occupational therapists who choose per-diem options, hourly pay can range widely—from entry-level rates starting at approximately $35.54 to experienced practitioners earning up to $66.27. Such figures are estimation derived from comprehensive annual salary data, allowing for better financial planning across different employment scenarios in the Galveston area.
About the Galveston Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.54 | $284.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.88 | $327.07 |
| Median (P50) | $50.88 | $407.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59.13 | $473.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66.27 | $530.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Galveston
Based on $50.88/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.88/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Galveston, TX can expect to earn approximately $105,832 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,057. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Galveston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Galveston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,035.23 | $8,819 | $105,832 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,221.14 | $5,292 | $63,499 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $814.09 | $3,528 | $42,333 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Galveston) | $50.88 |
| 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 Galveston, TX earn a median of $105,841 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.36% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 0.30% above the Texas state average of $105,524.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.88/hr = $63,499/year (purchasing power: $66,145).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $105,832/year (purchasing power: $110,242).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$41.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.88/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Galveston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.85/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.42/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.88/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.44/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Galveston grew 18.1% from $41.80/hr (2019) to $49.37/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.44/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 Galveston 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 Galveston
Analyzing the potential earnings for part-time occupational therapists reveals that working 24 hours a week can result in an annual income of about $63,049, providing a more balanced work-life dynamic compared to full-time positions. Per diem occupational therapist pay in Galveston typically ranges from $50 to $75 an hour, with specialized therapists like those holding the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential commanding rates between $80 and $110 per hour in cash-pay practices. Travel contracts can elevate earnings significantly, with weekly rates ranging from $1,800 to $2,800. However, hourly rates can differ based on the type of employer—skilled nursing facilities and early intervention programs may offer lower pay but come with benefits, whereas outpatient clinics might provide higher hourly rates without additional perks. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for those negotiating their rates, as some therapists may opt for lower pay in exchange for stability and healthcare access.
More salary data for Galveston, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Galveston in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Galveston?
Are occupational therapists in Galveston paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Galveston?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Galveston?
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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 Galveston. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Galveston 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