Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Weslaco, TX: $49.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Weslaco, TX runs $49.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $102,589 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Weslaco's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $51.38 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,557 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Weslaco, TX, the projected occupational therapist hourly pay for 2026 is $49.32. This places local rates slightly below the national median of $49.71, indicating a competitive, yet slightly constrained pay landscape for practitioners. Part-time opportunities, which commonly involve working three days a week, allow occupational therapists to earn a substantial income while maintaining flexibility. The hourly range for this profession spans from $34.68 for entry-level positions to $64.30 for those at the top of their field. For occupational therapists working in various settings—such as hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, or home health visits—the per diem and part-time options can suit a range of career goals and lifestyles, providing options for those seeking career autonomy or supplementary income.
About the Weslaco 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) | $34.68 | $277.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.59 | $340.76 |
| Median (P50) | $49.32 | $394.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57.69 | $461.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.30 | $514.39 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Weslaco
Based on $49.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.32/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Weslaco, TX can expect to earn approximately $102,595 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,189. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Weslaco.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Weslaco
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,972.98 | $8,550 | $102,595 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,183.79 | $5,130 | $61,557 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $789.19 | $3,420 | $41,038 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Weslaco) | $49.32 |
| 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 Weslaco, TX earn a median of $102,589 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.78% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 2.80% below the Texas state average of $105,544.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.32/hr = $61,557/year (purchasing power: $64,122).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $102,595/year (purchasing power: $106,870).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$40.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Weslaco (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.16/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.45/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Weslaco grew 18.1% from $40.52/hr (2019) to $47.86/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.83/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 Weslaco 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 Weslaco
Earning potential for an occupational therapist working part-time in Weslaco can vary significantly. A therapist working 24 hours per week will take home about $61,292 annually, which reflects a reduced, but feasible income when compared to their full-time counterparts. For those considering per diem or agency work, compensation rates typically range from $50 to $75 per hour, with specialized hand therapists sometimes commanding as much as $80 to $110 per hour in cash-pay settings. Additionally, travel OT contracts can offer lucrative weekly stipends between $1,800 and $2,800. Variations in hourly rates depend on the type of employer, with skilled nursing facilities and school districts often providing lower rates than specialized outpatient therapy clinics. Occupational therapists must consider benefits versus pay when negotiating positions; higher hourly rates may not include health benefits, prompting some to accept lower rates to maintain insurance coverage. For those seeking to maximize their earnings, negotiating for higher pay while also evaluating the importance of benefits can play a vital role in career satisfaction.
More salary data for Weslaco, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Weslaco in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Weslaco?
Are occupational therapists in Weslaco paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Weslaco?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Weslaco?
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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 Weslaco. 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 Weslaco 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