Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Harlingen, TX: $50.09 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Harlingen, TX runs $50.09 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $104,171 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Harlingen's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $52.17 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,509 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Harlingen, Texas, the occupational therapist hourly pay is projected to be $50.09 in 2026, which is slightly above the national hourly median of $49.71. This competitive rate presents attractive opportunities for both full-time and per-diem occupational therapists working in various environments such as hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, school therapy rooms, and home health visits. Entry-level therapists can expect to earn around $35.39 per hour, while those at the top of their field can make up to $63.98 per hour. For part-time professionals working three days a week, this hourly wage translates into a viable income, allowing them to balance work with personal commitments while still benefiting from the high demand for occupational therapy services in the region.
About the Harlingen 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) | $35.39 | $283.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.43 | $339.44 |
| Median (P50) | $50.09 | $400.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57.33 | $458.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.98 | $511.84 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Harlingen
Based on $50.09/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.09/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Harlingen, TX can expect to earn approximately $104,181 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,105. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Harlingen.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Harlingen
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,003.49 | $8,682 | $104,181 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,202.09 | $5,209 | $62,509 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $801.39 | $3,473 | $41,673 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Harlingen) | $50.09 |
| 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 Harlingen, TX earn a median of $104,171 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.75% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 1.30% below the Texas state average of $105,543.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.09/hr = $62,509/year (purchasing power: $65,113).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $104,181/year (purchasing power: $108,522).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$41.15/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.60/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.09/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Harlingen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.15/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.79/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $41.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.14/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.60/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.09/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Harlingen grew 18.1% from $41.15/hr (2019) to $48.60/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.62/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 Harlingen 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 Harlingen
The earning potential for part-time occupational therapists in Harlingen, operating on a 24-hour workweek, results in an annual income significantly lower than their full-time counterparts while still proving feasible. For example, opting for per diem occupational therapist pay in Harlingen typically ranges from $50 to $75 per hour, with specialized hand therapists holding the CHT credential earning $80 to $110 per hour in cash-pay settings. Moreover, travel OT contracts can be quite lucrative, with weekly pay ranging from $1,800 to $2,800, appealing to those who prioritize flexibility. It's essential to consider how hourly rates may vary across different employer settings. Skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and mental health facilities often offer unique benefits, leading some therapists to accept slightly lower hourly wages in exchange for health insurance. Professionals in the field should also be prepared to negotiate effectively, keeping in mind the regional market conditions and the robust demand for skilled therapists in Harlingen, TX.
More salary data for Harlingen, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Harlingen in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Harlingen?
Are occupational therapists in Harlingen paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Harlingen?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Harlingen?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Texas
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 Harlingen. 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 Harlingen 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