OT Assistant Salary

Dallas vs Sachse: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Dallas, TX and Sachse, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Dallas, TX
$83,451
$40.12/hr
Sachse, TX
$74,813
$35.96/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDallas, TXSachse, TX
Median Salary$83,451$74,813
Hourly Rate$40.12$35.96
Entry Level (P10)$55,774$56,413
25th Percentile$79,863$65,364
75th Percentile$93,979$80,832
Top Earner (P90)$97,875$89,841
Total Employed1,2205
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Dallas ($83,451) and Sachse ($74,813) occupational therapy assistant salaries.DallasSachseMedian Salary$83,451$74,813Entry Level (P10)$55,774$56,413Top Earner (P90)$97,875$89,841US Median $74,332

Verdict

Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sachse.

The salary gap between Dallas and Sachse is $8,638 (11.55%). Dallas's median is +12.27% compared to the US national median of $74,332.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dallas spans $42,101,Sachse spans $33,428. Dallas has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Dallas
P10 (Entry)$55,774
P25$79,863
Median$83,451
P75$93,979
P90 (Top)$97,875
Sachse
P10 (Entry)$56,413
P25$65,364
Median$74,813
P75$80,832
P90 (Top)$89,841

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Dallas ($80,950 effective) pays 3.87% more than Sachse ($77,930 effective).

Dallas
Nominal: $83,451
CoL Index: 103.09
Adjusted: $80,950
Sachse
Nominal: $74,813
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $77,930

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Dallas if…

  • Higher median salary ($83,451/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($97,875)
  • Larger job market (1,220 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,950)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Sachse if…

  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Dallas grew 21.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 4.4% growth in Sachse over the same period.

Dallas, TX

+21.3%

$66,890 (2019) → $81,170 (2025)

Sachse, TX

+4.4%

$69,693 (2024) → $72,768 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Dallas or Sachse?

Dallas has a higher median occupational therapy assistant salary at $83,451/year, compared to Sachse at $74,813/year — a difference of $8,638 (11.55%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and Sachse?

Dallas occupational therapy assistants earn $40.12/hr while Sachse hygienists earn $35.96/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Dallas to Sachse as a occupational therapy assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Dallas and Sachse. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Dallas = $80,950, Sachse = $77,930), job availability (1,220 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Dallas vs Sachse?

Entry-level (10th percentile) occupational therapy assistants earn $55,774 in Dallas and $56,413 in Sachse. The Sachse area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JL

Written by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L

Career Analyst

Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as an occupational therapist. Their specialty is working with children with developmental disorders. They have worked in various healthcare settings including schools and rehabilitation facilities.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, COTA/LData verified by Samuel Chen, OTR/L

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.81% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapy assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov