Occupational Therapist Salary in Killeen, TX: $100,009 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Killeen, TX earns a median $100,009/year (≈ $48.09/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Killeen's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.1), that paycheck buys what $109,741 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.2% below the Texas state average.
Official BLS data · View source
As of 2026, the occupational therapist salary in Killeen, TX, is projected to reach $100,009 annually, which is slightly below the national median of $103,400. In the local job market, salaries range from $73,039 at the lower end (P10) to as high as $137,781 for the top earners (P90). These figures, derived from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys, highlight the diverse earning potential available to occupational therapists in the region. The demand for skilled therapists is evident, particularly for those with specialty certifications such as Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), which can significantly enhance earning capacity and professional opportunities within Killeen’s healthcare landscape.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,039 | $35.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $84,561 | $40.66 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $100,009 | $48.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $119,519 | $57.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $137,781 | $66.24 |
Median Salary Position
3.28% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Killeen
In Killeen, TX, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $64,742 (2026 est.). At $100,009, the local median is 3.28% below the national median of $103,400.
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At 40 hours/week in Killeen: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Killeen Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Killeen median: $100,009/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Killeen Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $105,495 | -5.20% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -3.28% less |
Occupational Therapists in Killeen, TX earn a median of $100,009 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.28% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 5.20% below the Texas state average of $105,495.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Killeen has a cost of living 8.87% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Killeen, TX has a cost-of-living index of 91.132 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $100,009 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $109,741 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.73% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$90,230
2025 BLS Actual
$97,040
2026 Current Est.
$100,009
2019–2027 Growth
+14.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Killeen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $90,230 | Actual |
| 2020 | $92,940 | Actual |
| 2021 | $94,300 | Actual |
| 2022 | $95,620 | Actual |
| 2023 | $95,050 | Actual |
| 2024 | $98,790 | Actual |
| 2025 | $97,040 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $100,009 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $103,070 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Killeen metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 7.5% from $90,230 (2019) to $97,040 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $103,070 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,840 (14.23%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Killeen 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) | $73,039 – $84,561 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $84,561 – $100,009 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $100,009 – $119,519 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $119,519 – $137,781 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Killeen
In Killeen, approximately 200 occupational therapists are currently employed, indicating a stable local market for this vital profession. However, the cost of living index is established at 91.132, which is below the national average, meaning therapists may find their purchasing power relatively favorable compared to higher-cost areas. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities, hospital inpatient rehab centers, and outpatient hand therapy clinics tend to offer the most competitive pay. Variations in occupational therapist pay in Killeen TX can be attributed to factors such as the setting of employment, with hospitals generally providing higher salaries than schools or skilled nursing facilities. Therapists with board certifications like CHT and those transitioning into new roles may also command higher rates. Maximizing potential in this market could involve exploring year-round contracts, pursuing advanced certifications, or seeking employment in more lucrative facilities to take full advantage of financial growth opportunities.
More salary data for Killeen, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Killeen, TX in 2026?
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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 $97,040 for occupational therapistsin the Killeen 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