Occupational Therapist Salary in DeSoto, TX: $105,765 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in DeSoto, TX earns a median $105,765/year (≈ $50.85/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in DeSoto's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $110,172 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.2% above the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In DeSoto, Texas, the 2026 median annual occupational therapist salary reaches $105,765, reflecting a competitive increase against the national average of $103,400. The salary range stretches from $73,739 at the lower end to $144,302 for the highest earners, demonstrating the diverse earning potential within the field. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local economic conditions and the cost of living, which is comparatively lower in DeSoto. The opportunity for specialized certifications, such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential, can add a significant premium to an occupational therapist's earning capacity, making this a vital pursuit for professionals in the area looking to maximize their compensation.
About the DeSoto Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,739 | $35.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $84,894 | $40.81 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $105,765 | $50.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $120,477 | $57.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $144,302 | $69.38 |
Median Salary Position
2.29% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in DeSoto
In DeSoto, TX, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $70,563 (2026 est.). At $105,765, the local median is 2.29% above the national median of $103,400.
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At 40 hours/week in DeSoto: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How DeSoto Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
DeSoto median: $105,765/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | DeSoto Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $105,554 | +0.20% more |
| National Average | $103,400 | +2.29% more |
Occupational Therapists in DeSoto, TX earn a median of $105,765 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.29% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 0.20% above the Texas state average of $105,554.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
DeSoto 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.
DeSoto, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $105,765 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $110,172 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$86,893
2025 BLS Actual
$102,625
2026 Current Est.
$105,765
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in DeSoto (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $86,893 | Actual |
| 2020 | $88,254 | Actual |
| 2021 | $87,527 | Actual |
| 2022 | $95,311 | Actual |
| 2023 | $98,574 | Actual |
| 2024 | $94,305 | Actual |
| 2025 | $102,625 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $105,765 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $109,002 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the DeSoto metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $86,893 (2019) to $102,625 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $109,002 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,109 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the DeSoto 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) | $73,739 – $84,894 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $84,894 – $105,765 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $105,765 – $120,477 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $120,477 – $144,302 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in DeSoto
The local job market features nine occupational therapists actively employed in DeSoto, indicating a modestly competitive environment. With a cost of living index sitting at 96, many professionals find that their take-home pay stretches further than in higher-cost regions. Various employers contribute to the salary diversity, with skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation centers generally providing the most lucrative positions. Factors that influence the pay spectrum include the setting of practice—hospital roles often command higher pay than school contracts—and the influence of certifications like CHT. As the field transitions towards entry-level doctoral degrees and grapples with changes such as Medicare cuts impacting facilities, occupational therapists can enhance their earning potential by focusing on specialty areas, seeking certifications, and considering employment in settings with strong compensation packages, such as outpatient clinics and higher-tier rehabilitation centers.
More salary data for DeSoto, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in DeSoto, TX in 2026?
Is DeSoto, TX a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in DeSoto?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in DeSoto?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in DeSoto?
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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 $102,625 for occupational therapistsin the DeSoto 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 DeSoto 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