Occupational Therapist Salary in Copperas Cove, TX: $102,008 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Copperas Cove, TX earns a median $102,008/year (≈ $49.05/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Copperas Cove's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $106,258 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% below the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a promising median annual salary of $102,008 projected for 2026, occupational therapist salaries in Copperas Cove, TX, reflect the growing recognition of specialized skills in the field. The compensation range for occupational therapists spans from $79,175 at the 10th percentile to $132,119 at the 90th percentile, illustrating a substantial earning potential influenced by factors such as certification—as those with a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) specialty can command higher pay. These figures, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, factor in the local economic context and regional price adjustments, granting professionals in this area competitive wages that often exceed state averages. Copperas Cove’s job market is shaping up to be an appealing destination for OTs, especially as demand for more specialized services continues to grow.
About the Copperas Cove Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,175 | $38.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $85,112 | $40.91 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $102,008 | $49.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $118,482 | $56.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $132,119 | $63.52 |
Median Salary Position
1.35% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Copperas Cove
In Copperas Cove, TX, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $52,944 (2026 est.). At $102,008, the local median is 1.35% below the national median of $103,400.
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At 40 hours/week in Copperas Cove: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Copperas Cove Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Copperas Cove median: $102,008/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Copperas Cove Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $105,489 | -3.30% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -1.35% less |
Occupational Therapists in Copperas Cove, TX earn a median of $102,008 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.35% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 3.30% below the Texas state average of $105,489.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Copperas Cove has a cost of living 4.00% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Copperas Cove, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $102,008 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $106,258 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$83,806
2025 BLS Actual
$98,979
2026 Current Est.
$102,008
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Copperas Cove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $83,806 | Actual |
| 2020 | $85,118 | Actual |
| 2021 | $84,418 | Actual |
| 2022 | $91,925 | Actual |
| 2023 | $95,072 | Actual |
| 2024 | $90,955 | Actual |
| 2025 | $98,979 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $102,008 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $105,129 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Copperas Cove metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $83,806 (2019) to $98,979 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $105,129 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,323 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Copperas Cove 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $79,175 – $85,112 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $85,112 – $102,008 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $102,008 – $118,482 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $118,482 – $132,119 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Copperas Cove
Looking more closely at the occupational therapy job market in Copperas Cove reveals a nuanced picture for the seven employed therapists in the area. With a cost-of-living index of 96, the purchasing power for occupational therapy pay in Copperas Cove is slightly below the national average, offering an opportunity for improved quality of life for its professionals. To maximize earnings, OTs should consider opportunities in skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehab units, which typically offer higher salaries than school district contracts or outpatient settings. The disparity in earnings can also be influenced by factors such as board certifications like CHT, productivity expectations, and the nature of contract work. As the job market continues to evolve and the demand for well-qualified therapists grows, understanding these elements will be key for those asking how much do occupational therapists make in Copperas Cove and how they can best position themselves for success.
More salary data for Copperas Cove, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Copperas Cove, TX in 2026?
Is Copperas Cove, TX a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Copperas Cove?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Copperas Cove?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $98,979 for occupational therapistsin the Copperas Cove metropolitan area. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Copperas Cove 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