Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in San Marcos, TX: $61.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in San Marcos, TX runs $61.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $128,718 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against San Marcos's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $64.47 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,236 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in San Marcos, TX can expect to earn a competitive hourly rate of $61.89, significantly outpacing the national median of $49.71. This pay rate sets the stage for lucrative opportunities, especially for part-time and per-diem workers who may take on shifts across different settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, and outpatient clinics. The hourly pay range in San Marcos varies, with entry-level positions starting around $44.03 and top earners potentially reaching up to $79.74. These figures are derived from projected annual salaries converted into hourly wages, providing a snapshot of the financial landscape for occupational therapists in this region.
About the San Marcos 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) | $44.03 | $352.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.47 | $403.75 |
| Median (P50) | $61.89 | $495.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71.25 | $569.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79.74 | $637.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Marcos
Based on $61.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.89/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Marcos, TX can expect to earn approximately $128,726 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,265. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in San Marcos.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Marcos
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,475.50 | $10,727 | $128,726 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,485.30 | $6,436 | $77,236 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $990.20 | $4,291 | $51,490 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (San Marcos) | $61.89 |
| 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 San Marcos, TX earn a median of $128,718 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.49% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 22.00% above the Texas state average of $105,506.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.89/hr = $77,236/year (purchasing power: $80,454).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $128,726/year (purchasing power: $134,090).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$50.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.05/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in San Marcos (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $51.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $51.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $55.77/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $57.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.82/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.05/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in San Marcos grew 18.1% from $50.84/hr (2019) to $60.05/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.78/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 San Marcos 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 San Marcos
When considering part-time positions, an occupational therapist working 24 hours per week would take home approximately $47,794 annually, which can differ significantly from full-time earnings. Per diem occupational therapists in San Marcos, who typically charge between $50 and $75 per hour, may also find that specialized certifications like the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) can push their rates to an impressive $80-$110 in cash-pay settings. Travel contracts offer even higher earnings, averaging $1,800 to $2,800 weekly. Within the San Marcos area, hourly rates can fluctuate substantially based on employer types—including school districts, mental health facilities, and early intervention programs—leading many therapists to choose between slightly lower hourly rates with benefits or higher pay without. To maximize earnings, negotiating contracts or hourly rates is essential, especially considering the growing demand for therapists with advanced credentials in a market known for its varying compensation insights.
More salary data for San Marcos, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in San Marcos in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in San Marcos?
Are occupational therapists in San Marcos paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in San Marcos?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in San Marcos?
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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 San Marcos. 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 San Marcos 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