Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Austin, TX: $40.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Austin, TX runs $40.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,790 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Austin's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.1, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $41.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,283 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Austin, TX can expect a median hourly pay of $40.29, significantly higher than the national median of $35.74. This competitive rate opens a range of opportunities for both part-time and per-diem workers, enabling them to make a solid income while working in various settings, including skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics. The hourly wages typically span from $40.29 at the lower end to $47.40 for top earners, reflecting the demand for skilled support staff in rehabilitation services. The data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, underscores the attractive prospects available in the Austin job market for those looking to provide essential therapy services.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40.29 | $322.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.29 | $322.33 |
| Median (P50) | $40.29 | $322.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.40 | $379.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.40 | $379.16 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Austin
Based on $40.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.29/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Austin, TX can expect to earn approximately $83,806 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,349. With a cost-of-living index of 98.07 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Austin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Austin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,611.65 | $6,984 | $83,806 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $966.99 | $4,190 | $50,283 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $644.66 | $2,794 | $33,522 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Austin) | $40.29 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Austin, TX earn a median of $83,790 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.72% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 7.00% above the Texas state average of $78,309.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.29/hr = $50,283/year (purchasing power: $51,275).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,806/year (purchasing power: $85,459).
CoL index: 98.066 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$32.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Austin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.22/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.95/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.42/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Austin grew 21.8% from $32.17/hr (2019) to $39.19/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.42/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapy assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Austin 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.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapy Assistant in Austin
For those considering part-time opportunities, working three days a week as an occupational therapy assistant can yield an annual income of approximately $62,486, compared to the earnings of a full-time worker. The flexible nature of this role also appeals to per-diem and agency occupational therapy assistants, who might earn anywhere from $30 to $45 per hour, with travel contracts offering up to $1,700 a week. However, post-2022 reimbursement cuts have moderated some of the agency rates. Rates and compensation can vary widely based on the type of employer; roles in skilled nursing often pay less than those in schools or outpatient clinics. When negotiating, candidates should think about their overall compensation package—factoring in potential benefits versus hourly pay—especially in a city like Austin where health benefits are a significant consideration.
More salary data for Austin, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Austin in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Austin?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Austin paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Austin?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Austin?
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapy assistants in Austin. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-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