Occupational Therapist Salary in Lufkin, TX: $100,149 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Lufkin, TX earns a median $100,149/year (≈ $48.15/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Lufkin's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $104,322 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% below the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lufkin, Texas, the 2026 projected median salary for occupational therapists is $100,149, reflecting the local market’s competitive nature in comparison to the national median of $103,400. Occupational therapists can expect a salary range from $74,732 at the 10th percentile to $125,934 at the 90th percentile. As these figures are derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments, they indicate a thoughtful consideration of local economic conditions. With the increased demand for occupational therapy services in various settings, including schools and rehabilitation centers, Lufkin presents a promising landscape for OT professionals, particularly those holding specialty certifications such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), which significantly enhances earning potential.
About the Lufkin Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,732 | $35.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $83,571 | $40.18 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $100,149 | $48.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $114,324 | $54.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $125,934 | $60.55 |
Median Salary Position
3.14% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lufkin
In Lufkin, TX, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,202 (2026 est.). At $100,149, the local median is 3.14% below the national median of $103,400.
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How Lufkin Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Lufkin median: $100,149/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lufkin Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $105,531 | -5.10% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -3.14% less |
Occupational Therapists in Lufkin, TX earn a median of $100,149 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.14% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 5.10% below the Texas state average of $105,531.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lufkin 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.
Lufkin, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $100,149 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $104,322 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$82,279
2025 BLS Actual
$97,175
2026 Current Est.
$100,149
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Lufkin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $82,279 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,567 | Actual |
| 2021 | $82,879 | Actual |
| 2022 | $90,250 | Actual |
| 2023 | $93,340 | Actual |
| 2024 | $89,297 | Actual |
| 2025 | $97,175 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $100,149 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $103,213 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lufkin metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $82,279 (2019) to $97,175 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $103,213 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,934 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lufkin 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) | $74,732 – $83,571 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $83,571 – $100,149 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $100,149 – $114,324 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $114,324 – $125,934 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Lufkin
The occupational therapist job market in Lufkin features eight licensed professionals currently employed, indicating a steady demand for these services despite a cost-of-living index at 96, slightly lower than the national average. This ratio suggests that while salaries may be lower than in larger metro areas, the buying power remains relatively stable. Among the highest-paying employers are skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation settings, where advanced credentials can lead to a notable pay increase. Factors influencing salary variations largely stem from the work environment, the presence of productivity expectations, and the benefits tied to year-round contracts. To maximize pay in Lufkin, therapists should consider specializing in high-demand areas like hand therapy and seek opportunities with institutions that value board certifications, which often come with substantial stipends.
More salary data for Lufkin, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Lufkin, TX in 2026?
Is Lufkin, TX a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Lufkin?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Lufkin?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Lufkin?
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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 $97,175 for occupational therapistsin the Lufkin 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 Lufkin 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