Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Plano, TX: $52.99 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Plano, TX runs $52.99 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $110,222 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Plano's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $55.20 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $66,136 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Plano, Texas, the projected median hourly pay for an occupational therapist stands at $52.99 in 2026, surpassing the national hourly median of $49.71. This competitive rate supports various working arrangements. Part-time occupational therapists, who may work three days a week, can earn a substantial income while enjoying flexible schedules, a factor often appealing in rehabilitation settings like hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. The hourly range for this profession varies significantly, with entry-level positions earning around $35.32 and experienced therapists commanding up to $70.50 per hour. These estimates derive from annual salary data, providing a snapshot for those considering opportunities in fields like school therapy, home health visits, or early intervention services in the region.
About the Plano 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) | $35.32 | $282.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.62 | $332.93 |
| Median (P50) | $52.99 | $423.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61.94 | $495.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $70.50 | $564.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Plano
Based on $52.99/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $52.99/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Plano, TX can expect to earn approximately $110,226 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $63,592. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Plano.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Plano
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,119.74 | $9,186 | $110,226 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,271.84 | $5,511 | $66,136 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $847.90 | $3,674 | $44,091 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Plano) | $52.99 |
| 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 Plano, TX earn a median of $110,222 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.60% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 4.50% above the Texas state average of $105,475.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $52.99/hr = $66,136/year (purchasing power: $68,891).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $110,226/year (purchasing power: $114,819).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$43.54/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$51.42/hr
2026 Current Est.
$52.99/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Plano (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43.54/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.22/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $43.86/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $47.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $49.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $51.42/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52.99/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Plano grew 18.1% from $43.54/hr (2019) to $51.42/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $54.62/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 Plano 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 Plano
Within Plano's occupational therapy community, part-time professionals focused on a three-day workweek, totaling 24 hours, could take home approximately $61,195 annually, making it a viable option for those prioritizing work-life balance. For occupational therapists working per diem or on contracts, the earning potential is even more lucrative, with typical billing rates ranging from $50 to $75 per hour. Specialized hand therapists with a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential can see earnings soar to between $80 and $110 per hour in cash-pay practices, while travel OT roles offer weekly contracts of $1,800 to $2,800. Hourly rates often fluctuate based on the employer type, with skilled nursing facilities, outpatient therapy clinics, and school districts providing varying pay scales. Therapists may weigh the higher hourly rates often associated with no benefits against more traditional positions that offer health insurance. In negotiating hourly pay in Plano, understanding the local market dynamics, including the demand for specific specialties and the benefits each role entails, can significantly impact compensation outcomes.
More salary data for Plano, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Plano in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Plano?
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How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Plano?
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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 Plano. 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 Plano 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