Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Cleburne, TX: $57,354 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Cleburne, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $57,354 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cleburne's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $59,744 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($77,858) 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 Cleburne, Texas, can expect a starting salary around $57,354. This entry-level figure is noticeably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $77,858, indicating a significant gap for early-career professionals. However, entry-level wages can progress through pivotal salary points such as $67,082 at the 25th percentile, paving the way for motivated individuals to achieve median pay within the first three to five years of employment. The job market for occupational therapy assistants in Cleburne shows promise, as opportunities are abundant for those entering the profession, especially in settings focused on rehabilitation and educational support, making it a favorable time for new graduates.
About the Cleburne Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Cleburne
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 Cleburne
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Cleburne, TX typically start between $57,354 and $67,082 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $37,158 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $77,858 — 4.74% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Texas of $22,000 represents just 38.36% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($57,354/year) in Cleburne. 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 Cleburne
- 1Research the Cleburne market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $57,354 to $67,082, 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 Cleburne, 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 Cleburne for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Cleburne'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 Cleburne is $37,158 ( 64.79%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $57,354, experienced hygienists can earn up to $94,512.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$45,212
2025 BLS Actual
$55,786
2026 Current Est.
$57,354
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Cleburne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,212 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,783 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,716 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,940 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,731 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,866 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,786 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,354 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,965 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Cleburne, TX grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $45,212 in 2019 to $55,786 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $58,965. New graduates entering the Cleburne job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cleburne 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 Cleburne
Analyzing the current hiring landscape in Cleburne, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) represent a primary source of employment for recent graduates. These facilities often prefer to onboard entry-level occupational therapy assistants, offering them mentorship and supervisory support. School districts also provide attractive options, with the benefit of a summer-off schedule, while outpatient clinics may be less inclined to hire new graduates but often offer training in specialized areas such as pediatric or hand therapy. To enhance starting pay in Texas, graduates should prioritize obtaining credentials from an ACOTE-accredited OTA program, passing the NBCOT national exam for COTA certification, and obtaining state licensure. Growth expectations during the initial years may be tempered due to recent Medicare adjustments that have impacted pay rates in various practice settings, but with a strong foundation and continued professional development, a promising career trajectory can emerge for COTAs in this market over the first three years.
More salary data for Cleburne, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapy assistants in Cleburne in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapy assistant salaries grow in Cleburne?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Cleburne?
What do new occupational therapy assistants make right out of school in Cleburne?
How do I become a occupational therapy assistant in Texas?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Texas
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 Cleburne. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cleburne 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