Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Richardson, TX: $51.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Richardson, TX runs $51.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $106,820 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Richardson's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $53.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $64,091 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Richardson, Texas, the occupational therapist hourly pay stands at a median rate of $51.35, slightly above the national median of $49.71. This rate is significant for part-time workers, such as those practicing three days a week, as it translates well into their earnings without necessitating full-time hours. Per-diem roles, which are quite prevalent in settings like hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics, also benefit from this hourly structure. The projected hourly range for occupational therapists in Richardson runs from $34.34 for entry-level positions to $67.08 for top earners. Such estimates draw on annual salary data but provide a clear view of how compensation is shaped in the region's diverse therapy environments, from school systems to home health visits.
About the Richardson 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) | $43.24 | $345.95 |
| Median (P50) | $51.35 | $410.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59.62 | $476.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67.08 | $536.65 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Richardson
Based on $51.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $51.35/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Richardson, TX can expect to earn approximately $106,818 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,626. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Richardson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Richardson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,054.19 | $8,901 | $106,818 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,232.52 | $5,341 | $64,091 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $821.68 | $3,561 | $42,727 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Richardson) | $51.35 |
| 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 Richardson, TX earn a median of $106,820 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.31% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 1.20% above the Texas state average of $105,553.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $51.35/hr = $64,091/year (purchasing power: $66,761).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $106,818/year (purchasing power: $111,269).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$42.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.83/hr
2026 Current Est.
$51.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Richardson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.85/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.28/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.86/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.83/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.93/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Richardson grew 18.1% from $42.19/hr (2019) to $49.83/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.93/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 Richardson 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 Richardson
Analyzing the financial landscape further illuminates earning potential for part-time therapists. An occupational therapist working 24 hours a week could expect to take home around $47,789 annually, a notable difference when compared to a full-time role with a typical 40-hour workweek. Additionally, the per diem occupational therapist pay in Richardson can vary widely; those in temporary or agency roles often bill between $50 and $75 per hour. For certified hand therapists, the rates might soar to between $80 and $110 per hour in cash-pay practices. The trade-offs between hourly pay and benefits become apparent in different employer types. Therapists in skilled nursing facilities may accept lower hourly rates for the stability of health benefits, while those in home health agencies could command a higher rate without them. Negotiation is key; being well-informed about local pay scales, industry standards, and specific employer expectations can empower occupational therapists to advocate effectively for their worth in the Richardson job market.
More salary data for Richardson, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Richardson in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Richardson?
Are occupational therapists in Richardson paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Richardson?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Richardson?
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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 Richardson. 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 Richardson 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