Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Pasadena, TX: $50.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Pasadena, TX runs $50.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $105,353 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Pasadena's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $52.76 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,216 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, occupational therapists in Pasadena, Texas, are projected to earn a median hourly pay of $50.65, slightly above the national median of $49.71. This hourly rate provides a strong incentive for part-time and per-diem workers in diverse therapeutic settings such as hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. For example, those working a typical part-time schedule of three days per week could expect to earn around $2,217 weekly, which is significant for roles often pursued for flexibility. The hourly wage range in Pasadena extends from approximately $36.61 for entry-level positions to as much as $67.84 for the most experienced practitioners, reflecting a landscape where both novices and veterans have ample opportunity for advancement. Importantly, these pay figures are estimated from annual salary data and help frame the earnings potential for occupational therapists in the region.
About the Pasadena 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) | $36.61 | $292.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.72 | $333.75 |
| Median (P50) | $50.65 | $405.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59.81 | $478.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67.84 | $542.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pasadena
Based on $50.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.65/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pasadena, TX can expect to earn approximately $105,360 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,785. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pasadena.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pasadena
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,026.16 | $8,780 | $105,360 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,215.70 | $5,268 | $63,216 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $810.46 | $3,512 | $42,144 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Pasadena) | $50.65 |
| 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 Pasadena, TX earn a median of $105,353 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.89% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 0.20% below the Texas state average of $105,564.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.65/hr = $63,216/year (purchasing power: $65,850).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $105,360/year (purchasing power: $109,750).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$41.62/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.15/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.65/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Pasadena (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.62/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $41.92/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.65/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.09/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.15/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Pasadena grew 18.1% from $41.62/hr (2019) to $49.15/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.20/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 Pasadena 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 Pasadena
Contracts for per-diem occupational therapists can be lucrative, with many billing between $50 and $75 per hour. Similarly, those who attain the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) designation often command higher rates ranging from $80 to $110 per hour in cash-pay clinics, while travel OTs may secure contracts that pay between $1,800 and $2,800 weekly. However, hourly rates can vary significantly depending on the type of employer; skilled nursing facilities may offer more stable but lower pay, while outpatient clinics and some private practices can present more lucrative opportunities. For those contemplating part-time work versus full-time roles, the trade-off often lies in benefits versus pay. Part-time positions may lack health insurance, but they can offer greater flexibility, which is valuable to many practitioners. When negotiating, it’s essential for occupational therapists in Pasadena to clearly understand their worth, leveraging local market rates and the benefits that might be available in exchange for potentially lower pay.
More salary data for Pasadena, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Pasadena in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Pasadena?
Are occupational therapists in Pasadena paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Pasadena?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Pasadena?
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 Pasadena. 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 Pasadena 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