Occupational Therapist Salary in Little Elm, TX: $102,384 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Little Elm, TX earns a median $102,384/year (≈ $49.22/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Little Elm's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $106,650 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapist salaries in Little Elm, Texas, are projected to be favorable as the median annual salary reaches $102,384 in 2026. This figure demonstrates a slight decrease compared to the national median of $103,400, which may impact local employers trying to attract and retain talent post-2022 Medicare cuts affecting skilled nursing facilities and outpatient services. The salary range for this role varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $71,644 while more experienced occupational therapists can earn up to $127,029. These salary estimates are derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost variations, reflecting the dynamics of the local job market where the demand remains steady.
About the Little Elm Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,644 | $34.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $88,161 | $42.39 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $102,384 | $49.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $115,521 | $55.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $127,029 | $61.07 |
Median Salary Position
0.98% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Little Elm
In Little Elm, TX, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $55,385 (2026 est.). At $102,384, the local median is 0.98% below the national median of $103,400.
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At 40 hours/week in Little Elm: You'd be above the median
How Little Elm Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Little Elm median: $102,384/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Little Elm Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $105,550 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -0.98% less |
Occupational Therapists in Little Elm, TX earn a median of $102,384 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.98% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 3.00% below the Texas state average of $105,550.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Little Elm 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.
Little Elm, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $102,384 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $106,650 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$84,115
2025 BLS Actual
$99,344
2026 Current Est.
$102,384
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Little Elm (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $84,115 | Actual |
| 2020 | $85,432 | Actual |
| 2021 | $84,729 | Actual |
| 2022 | $92,264 | Actual |
| 2023 | $95,423 | Actual |
| 2024 | $91,290 | Actual |
| 2025 | $99,344 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $102,384 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $105,517 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Little Elm metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $84,115 (2019) to $99,344 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $105,517 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,402 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Little Elm 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) | $71,644 – $88,161 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $88,161 – $102,384 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $102,384 – $115,521 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $115,521 – $127,029 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Little Elm
With only 12 occupational therapists currently employed in Little Elm, compensation can be influenced by various factors such as workplace setting and specialization. The cost of living index sits at 96, indicating a somewhat lower living expense than the national average, which allows for better purchasing power for professionals in the area. Skilled nursing facilities typically offer higher pay compared to school districts or outpatient clinics; however, those with specialized certifications such as Certified Hand Therapists (CHT) might see even greater financial rewards. Furthermore, salary discrepancies are largely driven by productivity expectations and contract types—year-round positions may provide more consistent income than school-year contracts. To optimize earnings in Little Elm, occupational therapists should consider diversifying their skill set and seeking certifications, while evaluating opportunities in higher-paying settings like hospitals and specialized clinics.
More salary data for Little Elm, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Little Elm, TX in 2026?
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Can occupational therapists make $100K in Little Elm?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Little Elm?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Little Elm?
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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 $99,344 for occupational therapistsin the Little Elm 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 Little Elm 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