Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Anna, TX: $54,358 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Anna, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $54,358 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Anna's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $56,623 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($76,576) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of occupational therapy assistants in Anna, Texas can expect to find starting positions that offer an entry-level salary of around $54,358. This figure lies on the lower end of the salary spectrum, providing a significant gap when compared to the city's median annual salary of $76,576. However, there is potential for upward movement; early-career COTAs can anticipate earning around $67,366 within their first few years as they gain experience. The occupational therapy assistant market in Anna appears favorable for recent graduates, as the projected growth rate for this profession is 2.81% annually, indicating that there will likely be a steady demand for qualified professionals in the coming years.
About the Anna Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Anna
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Anna
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Anna, TX typically start between $54,358 and $67,366 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $41,047 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $76,576 — 3.02% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Texas of $22,000 represents just 40.47% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($54,358/year) in Anna. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACOTE-accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant associate degree programs. Tuition varies between community college and private technical school settings.
OTA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Anna
- 1Research the Anna market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $54,358 to $67,366, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the occupational therapy field — employers in TX often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Anna, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Anna for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Anna's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Compensation Range
The occupational therapy assistant wage spread in Anna is $41,047 ( 75.51%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $54,358, experienced hygienists can earn up to $95,405.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$42,850
2025 BLS Actual
$52,872
2026 Current Est.
$54,358
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Anna (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,850 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,339 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,066 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,227 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,976 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,068 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,872 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,358 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,885 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Anna, TX grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $42,850 in 2019 to $52,872 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $55,885. New graduates entering the Anna job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Anna 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 2.81% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your occupational therapy Career in Anna
In Anna, new grad occupational therapy assistants can find employment opportunities primarily within skilled nursing facilities (SNF), which often hire recent graduates and offer a structured work environment for gaining practical experience. School districts also represent a viable option, with the added benefit of predictable summer schedules and time off. While outpatient clinics might generally seek experienced COTAs, some are willing to provide training in pediatric care or hand therapy to become familiar with entry-level staff. To enhance their starting occupational therapy assistant salary in Anna, new graduates should ensure they obtain their COTA credential by successfully passing the NBCOT national exam and securing a state license. Furthermore, joining the AOTA and engaging in continuing education can set a solid foundation for career advancement, especially as the demand for COTAs remains strong despite recent changes in Medicare reimbursements. Overall, with strategic career planning, first-year salaries can gradually increase as new professionals gain valuable experience and potentially move into advanced practice areas.
More salary data for Anna, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new occupational therapy graduates. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Anna. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Anna 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 2.81%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapy assistants (SOC 31-2011).
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