Occupational Therapist Salary in Nacogdoches, TX: $100,141 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Nacogdoches, TX earns a median $100,141/year (≈ $48.15/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Nacogdoches's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $104,314 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% below the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, occupational therapists in Nacogdoches, Texas, can expect a median annual income of $100,141, reflecting the local market for this essential healthcare profession. Salaries range from $74,607 at the 10th percentile to $125,909 at the 90th percentile, showcasing the varied compensation based on experience, setting, and specialty. Estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local cost-of-living considerations indicate that while the median salary is lower than the national average of $103,400 by about 3.15%, the opportunity for earning potential does exist based on the specific roles within the field. Given the limited number of occupational therapists employed in Nacogdoches, strategic moves and specialized certifications, such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential, can enhance both job prospects and salary.
About the Nacogdoches Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,607 | $35.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $81,330 | $39.10 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $100,141 | $48.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $114,232 | $54.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $125,909 | $60.54 |
Median Salary Position
3.15% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Nacogdoches
In Nacogdoches, TX, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,302 (2026 est.). At $100,141, the local median is 3.15% below the national median of $103,400.
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How Nacogdoches Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Nacogdoches median: $100,141/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Nacogdoches Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $105,523 | -5.10% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -3.15% less |
Occupational Therapists in Nacogdoches, TX earn a median of $100,141 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.15% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 5.10% below the Texas state average of $105,523.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Nacogdoches 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.
Nacogdoches, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $100,141 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $104,314 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$82,273
2025 BLS Actual
$97,168
2026 Current Est.
$100,141
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Nacogdoches (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $82,273 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,561 | Actual |
| 2021 | $82,873 | Actual |
| 2022 | $90,243 | Actual |
| 2023 | $93,333 | Actual |
| 2024 | $89,290 | Actual |
| 2025 | $97,168 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $100,141 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $103,206 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Nacogdoches metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $82,273 (2019) to $97,168 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $103,206 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,933 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Nacogdoches 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) | $74,607 – $81,330 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $81,330 – $100,141 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $100,141 – $114,232 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $114,232 – $125,909 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Nacogdoches
Amid steady demand for rehabilitation services, Nacogdoches currently employs seven occupational therapists, suggesting a tight job market that could influence compensation dynamics. The cost of living in the area, indexed at 96—below the national average—means that take-home earnings may stretch further than in higher-cost regions. Employers with the most competitive compensation packages typically include skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation centers. Conversely, settings like school districts generally offer lower pay. The disparity in salaries can be attributed to various factors, including productivity expectations and the nature of healthcare reimbursement models, which may be affected by Medicare cuts. To maximize income potential, occupational therapists in Nacogdoches should pursue settings that capitalize on advanced certifications and networking opportunities while remaining informed on market trends and employer needs in this evolving field.
More salary data for Nacogdoches, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $97,168 for occupational therapistsin the Nacogdoches 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 Nacogdoches 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