Occupational Therapist Salary in Corpus Christi, TX: $107,337 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Corpus Christi, TX earns a median $107,337/year (≈ $51.60/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Corpus Christi's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.7), that paycheck buys what $115,826 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% above the Texas state average.
Official BLS data · View source
The projected median annual occupational therapist salary in Corpus Christi, TX, stands at $107,337 for 2026, reflecting a competitive edge over the national median of $103,400. With salaries ranging from $74,110 at the 10th percentile to $135,421 at the 90th percentile, this indicates the breadth of opportunities available in the local market. Community settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital inpatient rehab units, and outpatient clinics all offer diverse environments for practice. Therapists working in school-based settings may find contracts that align with the academic calendar, presenting a strategic choice for work-life balance. Overall, Corpus Christi's job market demonstrates a robust demand for skilled occupational therapists, catering to various preferences and professional goals.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,110 | $35.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $81,912 | $39.38 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $107,337 | $51.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $124,527 | $59.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $135,421 | $65.10 |
Median Salary Position
3.81% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Corpus Christi
In Corpus Christi, TX, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $61,311 (2026 est.). At $107,337, the local median is 3.81% above the national median of $103,400.
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How Corpus Christi Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Corpus Christi median: $107,337/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Corpus Christi Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $105,543 | +1.70% more |
| National Average | $103,400 | +3.81% more |
Occupational Therapists in Corpus Christi, TX earn a median of $107,337 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.81% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 1.70% above the Texas state average of $105,543.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Corpus Christi has a cost of living 7.33% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Corpus Christi, TX has a cost-of-living index of 92.671 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $107,337 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $115,826 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.91% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$90,190
2025 BLS Actual
$104,150
2026 Current Est.
$107,337
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Corpus Christi (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $90,190 | Actual |
| 2020 | $95,090 | Actual |
| 2021 | $98,780 | Actual |
| 2022 | $102,940 | Actual |
| 2023 | $111,290 | Actual |
| 2024 | $102,960 | Actual |
| 2025 | $104,150 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $107,337 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $110,622 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Corpus Christi metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 15.5% from $90,190 (2019) to $104,150 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $110,622 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,432 (22.65%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Corpus Christi 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) | $74,110 – $81,912 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $81,912 – $107,337 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $107,337 – $124,527 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $124,527 – $135,421 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Corpus Christi
Looking at the local job market, there are currently 160 occupational therapists employed in the Corpus Christi area, which contributes to a stable occupational landscape. With a cost of living index of 92.671, professionals in this region can enjoy relatively favorable purchasing power, enhancing their overall take-home income. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospital settings tend to provide the highest compensation, largely influenced by the complexity of patient care and the demands of continued certifications, such as becoming a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT). The disparity in earnings can be attributed to factors like the work setting, productivity expectations, and the differing reimbursement rates for Medicare, significantly impacting salary distributions in outpatient versus school-based positions. Those seeking to maximize their occupational therapist pay in Corpus Christi should consider acquiring specialized certifications, pursuing positions in high-paying settings, and negotiating their contracts based on their unique skill sets and the market demand.
More salary data for Corpus Christi, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Corpus Christi, TX in 2026?
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Can occupational therapists make $100K in Corpus Christi?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Corpus Christi?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Corpus Christi?
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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 $104,150 for occupational therapistsin the Corpus Christi 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-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