Occupational Therapist Salary in Garland, TX: $109,648 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Garland, TX earns a median $109,648/year (≈ $52.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Garland's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $114,217 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.9% above the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in Garland, Texas, can expect a median annual salary of $109,648 in 2026, reflecting a competitive position compared to the national median of $103,400. The salary range for this profession varies significantly, with earnings projected between $72,311 at the 10th percentile and $156,250 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost factors, demonstrate an appealing financial outlook for practitioners. For those seeking to specialize, achieving the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential can further enhance one’s earning potential, as it commands a premium in the market. The job market in Garland remains robust for occupational therapists, making it a favorable location for practitioners looking to advance their careers.
About the Garland Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,311 | $34.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $85,426 | $41.07 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $109,648 | $52.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $127,585 | $61.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $156,250 | $75.12 |
Median Salary Position
6.04% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Garland
In Garland, TX, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $83,939 (2026 est.). At $109,648, the local median is 6.04% above the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Garland: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Garland Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Garland median: $109,648/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Garland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $105,532 | +3.90% more |
| National Average | $103,400 | +6.04% more |
Occupational Therapists in Garland, TX earn a median of $109,648 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.04% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 3.90% above the Texas state average of $105,532.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Garland 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.
Garland, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $109,648 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $114,217 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$90,083
2025 BLS Actual
$106,392
2026 Current Est.
$109,648
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Garland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $90,083 | Actual |
| 2020 | $91,493 | Actual |
| 2021 | $90,740 | Actual |
| 2022 | $98,810 | Actual |
| 2023 | $102,193 | Actual |
| 2024 | $97,767 | Actual |
| 2025 | $106,392 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $109,648 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $113,003 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Garland metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $90,083 (2019) to $106,392 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $113,003 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,920 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Garland 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) | $72,311 – $85,426 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $85,426 – $109,648 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $109,648 – $127,585 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $127,585 – $156,250 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Garland
In Garland, there are currently 43 occupational therapists, indicating a solid job market in the area and providing ample opportunities for new graduates and experienced professionals alike. The cost of living index stands at 96, suggesting that take-home pay in Garland can stretch further than in many other locations. Factors such as employment setting play a significant role in salary variations, with skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehab often offering higher pay than school district contracts or early intervention programs. The spread in compensation can also be driven by board certifications like the CHT, productivity expectations in different settings, and the seasonal nature of school contracts. For those looking to maximize their occupational therapist pay in Garland, strategically pursuing positions in high-paying environments and obtaining additional certifications could be beneficial moves, ultimately enhancing their earning potential in this vibrant market.
More salary data for Garland, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Garland, TX in 2026?
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Can occupational therapists make $100K in Garland?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Garland?
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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 $106,392 for occupational therapistsin the Garland 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 Garland 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