Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Wichita Falls, TX: $50.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Wichita Falls, TX runs $50.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $104,833 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Wichita Falls's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.5, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $56.31 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,907 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Occupational therapists in Wichita Falls, TX, earn a median hourly rate of $50.41, which surpasses the national median of $49.71. This competitive pay allows for a viable income for both part-time professionals working three days a week and per-diem workers across various settings such as hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. The hourly range for this profession extends from $32.86 at the lower end to $68.97 for top earners, offering a flexible financial landscape that accommodates different career trajectories and work arrangements. These figures are derived from official data based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, reflecting the anticipated growth and demand for occupational therapists in the area.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.86 | $262.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.84 | $326.74 |
| Median (P50) | $50.41 | $403.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60.84 | $486.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68.97 | $551.74 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wichita Falls
Based on $50.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.41/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wichita Falls, TX can expect to earn approximately $104,846 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,488. With a cost-of-living index of 89.51 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wichita Falls.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wichita Falls
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,016.27 | $8,737 | $104,846 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,209.76 | $5,242 | $62,907 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $806.51 | $3,495 | $41,938 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Wichita Falls) | $50.41 |
| 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 Wichita Falls, TX earn a median of $104,833 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.39% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 0.60% below the Texas state average of $105,465.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.41/hr = $62,907/year (purchasing power: $70,277).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $104,846/year (purchasing power: $117,129).
CoL index: 89.513 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$39.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.91/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Wichita Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.05/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.06/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.91/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.95/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Wichita Falls grew 25.2% from $39.05/hr (2019) to $48.91/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.95/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 Wichita Falls 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 Wichita Falls
For part-time occupational therapists in Wichita Falls, working 24 hours a week could yield an annual take-home significantly less than that of their full-time counterparts. Those opting for per-diem roles often find themselves billing between $50 and $75 per hour, whereas certified hand therapists with CHT credentials can earn an impressive $80 to $110 per hour in cash-pay practices. Travel occupational therapists can expect contracts ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 weekly, showcasing the variety of work scenarios available. Hourly wages can differ depending on the employment setting; for example, skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies may offer different compensation compared to school districts or early intervention programs. Occupational therapists may sometimes choose lower hourly rates for the security of benefits, while others may prioritize higher hourly wages without health insurance. To negotiate effectively in this competitive market, professionals should be aware of the typical rates across different employers and highlight their unique qualifications, such as specialization in hand therapy or advanced degrees, to enhance their bargaining position.
More salary data for Wichita Falls, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Wichita Falls in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Wichita Falls?
Are occupational therapists in Wichita Falls paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Wichita Falls?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Wichita Falls?
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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 Wichita Falls. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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