Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Friendswood, TX: $58,236 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Friendswood, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $58,236 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Friendswood's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $60,663 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($75,706) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants entering the field in Friendswood, TX, can expect a starting annual salary around $58,236 in 2026. This starting figure is significantly below the city's median of $75,706, highlighting a gap that new graduates should keep in mind as they begin their careers. However, there's potential for growth, with average salaries projected to rise to $67,228 at the 25th percentile, and more familiar earnings approaching the median within the first three to five years. Friendswood presents a relatively stable market for newly minted occupational therapy assistants, promising opportunities for those willing to pursue entry-level roles and adapt in this evolving field.
About the Friendswood Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Friendswood
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 Friendswood
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Friendswood, TX typically start between $58,236 and $67,228 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $34,404 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $75,706 — 1.85% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Texas of $22,000 represents just 37.78% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($58,236/year) in Friendswood. 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 Friendswood
- 1Research the Friendswood market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $58,236 to $67,228, 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 Friendswood, 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 Friendswood for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Friendswood'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 Friendswood is $34,404 ( 59.08%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $58,236, experienced hygienists can earn up to $92,640.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$45,907
2025 BLS Actual
$56,644
2026 Current Est.
$58,236
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Friendswood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,907 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,502 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,496 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,739 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,542 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,676 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,644 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,236 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,872 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Friendswood, TX grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $45,907 in 2019 to $56,644 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $59,872. New graduates entering the Friendswood job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Friendswood 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 Friendswood
When considering employment options, new grads looking for their first position should target skilled nursing facilities, which typically hire the largest number of entry-level occupational therapy assistants. School districts also present opportunities, particularly for therapists seeking summer breaks, while outpatient clinics tend to prefer experienced COTAs but often offer training in specialized areas such as pediatric or hand therapy for new hires. To enhance starting pay, candidates should prioritize completing an Associate's degree from an ACOTE-accredited OTA program, passing the NBCOT national exam for the COTA credential, and securing a state OTA license. Within the first one to three years, realistic salary growth can occur, although the recent 15% Medicare Part B cut for COTA-provided services will likely impact compensation levels in many working environments. Building a career in Friendswood also yields benefits through AOTA-provided advanced practice certifications, which can further bolster professional advancement.
More salary data for Friendswood, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapy assistants in Friendswood in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapy assistant salaries grow in Friendswood?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Friendswood?
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How do I become a occupational therapy assistant in Texas?
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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 Friendswood. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Friendswood 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