Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in New Braunfels, TX: $53.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in New Braunfels, TX runs $53.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $111,907 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against New Braunfels's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $56.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $67,139 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In New Braunfels, TX, the projected median occupational therapist hourly pay for 2026 is $53.80, notably surpassing the national median of $49.71. This hourly wage is advantageous for part-time professionals working three days a week, allowing them to earn a significant income while maintaining work-life balance. With entry-level positions starting around $37.02, occupational therapists can expect to earn up to $69.71 for more experienced roles. Given the diverse settings in which OTs operate—ranging from hospital rehab units to home health visits—they're well-positioned to capitalize on this competitive hourly pay, making it a fulfilling career choice for both part-time and per-diem workers seeking opportunities in New Braunfels.
About the New Braunfels 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) | $37.02 | $296.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.93 | $343.48 |
| Median (P50) | $53.80 | $430.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62.18 | $497.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $69.71 | $557.68 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in New Braunfels
Based on $53.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $53.80/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in New Braunfels, TX can expect to earn approximately $111,898 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $64,557. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in New Braunfels.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in New Braunfels
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,151.89 | $9,325 | $111,898 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,291.14 | $5,595 | $67,139 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $860.76 | $3,730 | $44,759 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (New Braunfels) | $53.80 |
| 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 New Braunfels, TX earn a median of $111,907 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.23% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 6.10% above the Texas state average of $105,473.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $53.80/hr = $67,139/year (purchasing power: $69,937).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $111,898/year (purchasing power: $116,561).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$44.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$52.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$53.80/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in New Braunfels (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.20/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.89/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $44.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.48/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $50.14/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $52.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55.44/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in New Braunfels grew 18.1% from $44.20/hr (2019) to $52.20/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $55.44/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 New Braunfels 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 New Braunfels
Analyzing the potential returns for part-time occupational therapists reveals an appealing earning trajectory. Those working a 24-hour per week schedule may see annual earnings considerably less than their full-time peers, yet still achieving a comfortable income. Per diem occupational therapist pay in New Braunfels commonly falls between $50 and $75 per hour, with certified hand therapists sometimes earning as much as $80 to $110 per hour in cash-pay settings or travel contracts. Various employer types—including skilled nursing facilities, school districts, and outpatient clinics—play a significant role in determining pay rates, with some facilities offering lower hourly wages accompanied by health benefits. Therapists may need to negotiate their hourly rate based on the coverage provided and specific employment terms, ensuring they secure the best possible arrangements while considering their financial needs and job preferences in the local market.
More salary data for New Braunfels, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in New Braunfels in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in New Braunfels?
Are occupational therapists in New Braunfels paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in New Braunfels?
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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 New Braunfels. 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 New Braunfels 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