Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Kingsville, TX: $56,905 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Kingsville, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $56,905 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kingsville's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $59,276 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($75,019) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kingsville, TX, new graduates entering the occupational therapy assistant profession can expect a starting salary around $56,905 in 2026. This is notably below the city's median occupational therapy assistant salary of $75,019, highlighting a significant gap for entry-level positions. Over the first few years of their career, entry-level assistants can see their salaries rise as they gain experience, reaching approximately $65,792 at the 25th percentile before approaching the median. Given that Kingsville is projected to experience a growth rate of 2.81% annually for this role, it presents a supportive market for new graduates eager to kickstart their careers.
About the Kingsville Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kingsville
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 Kingsville
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Kingsville, TX typically start between $56,905 and $65,792 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $33,393 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $75,019 — 0.92% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Texas of $22,000 represents just 38.66% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($56,905/year) in Kingsville. 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 Kingsville
- 1Research the Kingsville market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $56,905 to $65,792, 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 Kingsville, 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 Kingsville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kingsville'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 Kingsville is $33,393 ( 58.68%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $56,905, experienced hygienists can earn up to $90,298.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$44,858
2025 BLS Actual
$55,350
2026 Current Est.
$56,905
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Kingsville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,858 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,417 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,319 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,534 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,319 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,433 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,350 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,905 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,504 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Kingsville, TX grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $44,858 in 2019 to $55,350 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $58,504. New graduates entering the Kingsville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kingsville 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 Kingsville
Those seeking employment as new grad occupational therapy assistants in Kingsville should target skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), which are among the main employers eager to hire recent graduates. Additionally, some school districts offer conducive work schedules with summers off, making them attractive options. Outpatient clinics typically prefer candidates with experience, but they may also train new COTAs for specific roles such as pediatric or hand therapy support. Graduates will need an associate's degree from an ACOTE-accredited OTA program, pass the NBCOT national exam for the COTA credential, and obtain a state OTA license to enhance their starting pay in Texas. Career growth is often contingent on continued education and skills development, especially since COTAs work under occupational therapists while adhering to Medicare regulations, including the 15% cut to OTA-provided services that began in 2022. As a result, new graduates should manage their salary expectations, as realistic growth over the first few years will depend significantly on these factors.
More salary data for Kingsville, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapy assistants in Kingsville in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapy assistant salaries grow in Kingsville?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Kingsville?
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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 Kingsville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kingsville 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