Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Lancaster, TX: $49.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Lancaster, TX runs $49.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $102,294 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Lancaster's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $51.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,377 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a median hourly pay of $49.18, occupational therapists in Lancaster, TX enjoy a competitive wage that closely aligns with the national hourly median of $49.71. This rate is particularly advantageous for part-time occupational therapists working three days a week in various settings, such as skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation units, and outpatient clinics. For many in this profession, especially those in per-diem roles, the ability to earn anywhere from $34.34 to $63.96 per hour provides flexibility and the potential for substantial earnings. Entry-level therapists generally find themselves at the lower end of this spectrum, while seasoned professionals can navigate towards the upper limits, reflecting their expertise and years of experience. Hourly rates are based on annual salary projections, showing a promising return for those choosing to embark on a career in occupational therapy in Lancaster.
About the Lancaster 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) | $34.34 | $274.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.30 | $338.37 |
| Median (P50) | $49.18 | $393.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57.28 | $458.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.96 | $511.67 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lancaster
Based on $49.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.18/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lancaster, TX can expect to earn approximately $102,295 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,016. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lancaster.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lancaster
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,967.21 | $8,525 | $102,295 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,180.33 | $5,115 | $61,377 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $786.88 | $3,410 | $40,918 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Lancaster) | $49.18 |
| 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 Lancaster, TX earn a median of $102,294 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.07% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 3.10% below the Texas state average of $105,567.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.18/hr = $61,377/year (purchasing power: $63,934).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $102,295/year (purchasing power: $106,557).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$40.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Lancaster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.04/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.85/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.69/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Lancaster grew 18.1% from $40.40/hr (2019) to $47.72/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.69/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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster
Examining the earning potential for occupational therapists reveals that a part-time position averaging 24 hours a week could yield an annual income of approximately $61,360, substantially less than that of full-time counterparts, but still a viable option for those seeking balance. Furthermore, per diem occupational therapist pay in Lancaster can range between $50 and $75 per hour, with specialized hand therapists, holding CHT credentials, commanding rates upwards of $80 to $110 in cash-pay practices. Travel contracts are also lucrative, with compensation reaching $1,800 to $2,800 weekly. In addition to the diverse settings influencing hourly pay—like hospitals and mental health facilities—negotiation tactics can play a significant role in securing favorable compensation. Occupational therapists may sacrifice higher hourly wages for positions providing benefits, emphasizing the need for clear career objectives when considering offers. For those navigating their career path in Lancaster, having a solid strategy in discussions regarding pay can make all the difference.
More salary data for Lancaster, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Lancaster in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Lancaster?
Are occupational therapists in Lancaster paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Lancaster?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Lancaster?
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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 Lancaster. 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 Lancaster 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