Occupational Therapist Salary in Longview, TX: $116,210 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Longview, TX earns a median $116,210/year (≈ $55.87/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Longview's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.5), that paycheck buys what $129,865 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 10.1% above the Texas state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Longview, Texas, the projected 2026 median salary for occupational therapists is $116,210, which represents a roughly 12.39% increase compared to the national median of $103,400. The salary range for the profession varies significantly, with figures from $57,188 at the 10th percentile to $150,076 at the 90th percentile. These figures, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, reflect how the impact of Medicare cuts post-2022 has affected compensation in skilled nursing facilities (SNF) and outpatient settings. As the job market adapts, Longview's occupational therapist pay is poised to maintain competitive advantages amidst broader national trends.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,188 | $27.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $88,755 | $42.68 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $116,210 | $55.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $137,183 | $65.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $150,076 | $72.15 |
Median Salary Position
12.39% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Longview
In Longview, TX, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $92,888 (2026 est.). At $116,210, the local median is 12.39% above the national median of $103,400.
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How Longview Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Longview median: $116,210/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Longview Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $105,550 | +10.10% more |
| National Average | $103,400 | +12.39% more |
Occupational Therapists in Longview, TX earn a median of $116,210 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.39% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 10.10% above the Texas state average of $105,550.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Longview has a cost of living 10.52% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Longview, TX has a cost-of-living index of 89.485 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $116,210 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $129,865 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.75% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$77,930
2025 BLS Actual
$112,760
2026 Current Est.
$116,210
2019–2027 Growth
+53.7%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Longview (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $77,930 | Actual |
| 2020 | $84,630 | Actual |
| 2021 | $95,620 | Actual |
| 2022 | $104,090 | Actual |
| 2023 | $103,760 | Actual |
| 2024 | $98,430 | Actual |
| 2025 | $112,760 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $116,210 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $119,766 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Longview metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 44.7% from $77,930 (2019) to $112,760 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $119,766 by 2027 — a total increase of $41,836 (53.68%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Longview 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) | $57,188 – $88,755 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $88,755 – $116,210 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $116,210 – $137,183 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $137,183 – $150,076 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Longview
Currently, 130 occupational therapists are employed in Longview, supported by a cost of living index of 89.485, which is below the national average. This index can enhance take-home purchasing power despite the potential challenges of lower pay scales in certain settings. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities generally offer lower salaries, while hospital inpatient rehab positions tend to provide higher compensation. Factors influencing salary discrepancies include setting—hospitals often provide the best pay, while school districts usually offer less—along with credentials such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) designation that commands premium rates. To maximize earnings in this market, occupational therapists should pursue specialty certifications, maintain flexibility in work settings, and consider contract opportunities that align with fluctuating client demands.
More salary data for Longview, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Longview, TX in 2026?
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Can occupational therapists make $100K in Longview?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Longview?
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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 $112,760 for occupational therapistsin the Longview 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