Occupational Therapist Salary in Galveston, TX: $105,841 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Galveston, TX earns a median $105,841/year (≈ $50.88/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Galveston's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $110,251 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% above the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapist salaries in Galveston, TX, provide a competitive picture within the regional market, with a projected median annual salary of $105,841 for 2026. The salary range for this profession extends from $73,914 at the 10th percentile to $137,835 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local cost of living, highlight the trade-offs between working in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), and school settings. Year-round positions in hospitals and outpatient clinics generally offer more competitive pay compared to school-based roles, reflecting the varying demand for services across different settings in Galveston.
About the Galveston Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,914 | $35.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $85,045 | $40.88 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $105,841 | $50.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $122,971 | $59.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $137,835 | $66.27 |
Median Salary Position
2.36% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Galveston
In Galveston, TX, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $63,921 (2026 est.). At $105,841, the local median is 2.36% above the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Galveston: You'd be above the median
How Galveston Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Galveston median: $105,841/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Galveston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $105,524 | +0.30% more |
| National Average | $103,400 | +2.36% more |
Occupational Therapists in Galveston, TX earn a median of $105,841 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.36% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 0.30% above the Texas state average of $105,524.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Galveston 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.
Galveston, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $105,841 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $110,251 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$86,955
2025 BLS Actual
$102,698
2026 Current Est.
$105,841
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Galveston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $86,955 | Actual |
| 2020 | $88,316 | Actual |
| 2021 | $87,590 | Actual |
| 2022 | $95,379 | Actual |
| 2023 | $98,645 | Actual |
| 2024 | $94,372 | Actual |
| 2025 | $102,698 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $105,841 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $109,079 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Galveston metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $86,955 (2019) to $102,698 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $109,079 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,124 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Galveston 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) | $73,914 – $85,045 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $85,045 – $105,841 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $105,841 – $122,971 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $122,971 – $137,835 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Galveston
In terms of employment, Galveston currently hosts about 10 occupational therapists, a relatively small yet stable market. With a cost-of-living index of 96, professionals in this area enjoy a favorable purchasing power compared to many other regions. Among the various employers, inpatient rehabilitation hospitals usually provide the highest compensation, followed closely by outpatient hand therapy clinics; in contrast, school district contracts tend to yield lower pay. The disparity in earnings often stems from differences in productivity expectations, the presence of specialty certifications like the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), and the seasonal nature of school contracts versus year-round roles. For those seeking to maximize their earnings in Galveston, pursuing additional certifications such as CHT and targeting hospital or outpatient settings will likely enhance salary potential.
More salary data for Galveston, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Galveston, TX in 2026?
Is Galveston, TX a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Galveston?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Galveston?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Galveston?
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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 $102,698 for occupational therapistsin the Galveston 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 Galveston 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