Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Longview, TX: $56,165 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Longview, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $56,165 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Longview's local price level (BEA RPP 89.5 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $62,765 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($78,208) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
New graduates entering the field of occupational therapy assistance in Longview, TX, can expect a starting salary around $56,165 in 2026. This initial pay is comparatively lower than the median annual salary for the city, projected at $78,208, leading to a notable gap that can be an important consideration for new grads. However, new occupational therapy assistants will find potential for growth as they gain experience, with earnings rising towards $73,036 at the 25th percentile within the first few years. With an annual growth rate projected at 2.81%, the Longview market presents moderate opportunity for fresh graduates eager to build their careers in this rewarding profession, making it a viable place for entry-level professionals.
Career Earnings Timeline in Longview
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 Longview
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Longview, TX typically start between $56,165 and $73,036 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $41,186 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $78,208 — 5.21% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Texas of $22,000 represents just 39.17% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($56,165/year) in Longview. 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 Longview
- 1Research the Longview market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $56,165 to $73,036, 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 Longview, 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 Longview for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Longview's below-average 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 Longview is $41,186 ( 73.33%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $56,165, experienced hygienists can earn up to $97,351.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$44,275
2025 BLS Actual
$54,630
2026 Current Est.
$56,165
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Longview (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,275 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,813 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,340 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,630 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,680 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,470 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,630 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,165 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,743 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Longview, TX grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $44,275 in 2019 to $54,630 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $57,743. New graduates entering the Longview job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Longview 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 Longview
Employers in Longview seeking to hire new graduate occupational therapy assistants typically include skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and rehabilitation firms. These organizations frequently prioritize new grads as they offer valuable training and on-the-job experience in various therapeutic settings. While school districts might provide a more desirable work-life balance with summer breaks, outpatient clinics may favor applicants with some experience. To enhance their starting pay in Texas, individuals should focus on obtaining credentials through an ACOTE-accredited OTA program, passing the NBCOT national exam for COTA certification, and securing a state OTA license. New graduates will navigate challenges such as the 15% Medicare Part B cut affecting OTA services since 2022, which has influenced compensation, especially in SNFs and outpatient environments. As COTAs typically operate under the supervision of licensed occupational therapists per state and Medicare guidelines, establishing professional relationships and seeking continuing education opportunities through AOTA can lead to realistic salary growth expectations during the initial years of practice in Longview.
More salary data for Longview, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapy assistants in Longview in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapy assistant salaries grow in Longview?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Longview?
What do new occupational therapy assistants make right out of school in Longview?
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 Longview. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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