Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Lubbock, TX: $47.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Lubbock, TX runs $47.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $99,515 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Lubbock's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $52.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,705 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Occupational therapists in Lubbock, TX, can expect a median hourly pay of $47.84 according to projections based on 2025 BLS data, which falls slightly below the national median of $49.71. This hourly rate reflects the earning potential for OTs working in various settings such as hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. With an hourly range from $33.47 for entry-level positions to $63.31 for top earners, occupational therapists can find attractive options whether they pursue full-time, part-time (for example, three days a week), or per-diem work. Typical per-diem settings include early intervention programs and home health visits, where flexibility and diverse caseloads provide valuable experiences.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.47 | $267.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.35 | $322.78 |
| Median (P50) | $47.84 | $382.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56.20 | $449.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.31 | $506.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lubbock
Based on $47.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.84/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lubbock, TX can expect to earn approximately $99,508 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,409. With a cost-of-living index of 91.32 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lubbock.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lubbock
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,913.62 | $8,292 | $99,508 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,148.17 | $4,975 | $59,705 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $765.45 | $3,317 | $39,803 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Lubbock) | $47.84 |
| 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 Lubbock, TX earn a median of $99,515 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.76% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 5.70% below the Texas state average of $105,530.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.84/hr = $59,705/year (purchasing power: $65,382).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $99,508/year (purchasing power: $108,970).
CoL index: 91.317 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$44.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.42/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+11.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Lubbock (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.95/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.09/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.89/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.49/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.42/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Lubbock grew 4.5% from $44.40/hr (2019) to $46.42/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.30/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 Lubbock 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 Lubbock
For those considering part-time opportunities in Lubbock, a schedule of 24 hours per week can yield significant take-home pay compared to full-time positions, allowing for better work-life balance. Per-diem occupational therapist pay in Lubbock often ranges between $50 and $75 per hour, with specialized certifications like the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential allowing even higher rates, potentially reaching $80 to $110 per hour. Employers across various sectors offer different compensation structures, affecting overall pay; typically, skilled nursing facilities and early intervention programs may have lower hourly rates, while outpatient clinics may offer more competitive pay. Occupational therapists must weigh the trade-off between higher hourly rates that may lack benefits and lower ones with health insurance and retirement options. Negotiating hourly rates effectively involves understanding local market conditions and individual qualifications, particularly for those transitioning to the entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy programs as mandated by ACOTE by 2027.
More salary data for Lubbock, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Lubbock in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Lubbock?
Are occupational therapists in Lubbock paid hourly or salary?
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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 Lubbock. 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