Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Denton, TX: $37.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Denton, TX runs $37.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,880 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Denton's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $39.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,729 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Denton, Texas, earn a median hourly rate of $37.44, which is notably above the national median of $35.74. This competitive pay reflects the growing demand for COTAs in various settings, such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, outpatient clinics, and home health. For part-time workers, those clocking in three days a week can still achieve a strong income while enjoying a flexible schedule. The hourly range extends from $26.83 for entry-level positions to $47.26 for the most experienced practitioners. These figures are derived from estimated annual salaries, indicating a solid earning potential for professionals in the field.
About the Denton Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.83 | $214.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.89 | $255.13 |
| Median (P50) | $37.44 | $299.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.30 | $338.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.26 | $378.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Denton
Based on $37.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.44/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Denton, TX can expect to earn approximately $77,882 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,932. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Denton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Denton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,497.74 | $6,490 | $77,882 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $898.64 | $3,894 | $46,729 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $599.09 | $2,596 | $31,153 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Denton) | $37.44 |
| 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 Denton, TX earn a median of $77,880 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.77% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 0.60% below the Texas state average of $78,350.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.44/hr = $46,729/year (purchasing power: $48,676).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,882/year (purchasing power: $81,127).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.98/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.42/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Denton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.98/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.71/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.76/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.42/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Denton grew 17.5% from $30.98/hr (2019) to $36.42/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.50/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 Denton 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 Denton
For those considering part-time work as occupational therapy assistants, a 24-hour work schedule over three days could yield an annual income significantly less than that of full-time counterparts. When evaluating per diem or agency work—often billing between $30 and $45 per hour—COTAs may find varying compensation depending on their employer. For example, travel contracts can offer between $1,100 and $1,700 weekly, adapting to demand but influenced by post-2022 reimbursement cuts. In Denton, salaries can differ based on the type of facility, with those in outpatient clinics perhaps earning more than their peers in schools or home health agencies. Occupational therapy assistants should weigh the trade-offs of accepting lower hourly wages that provide benefits against higher pay without health coverage. Negotiating these terms can be crucial; understanding the prevalent rates for each work type can empower COTAs to secure better compensation while factoring in their specific needs.
More salary data for Denton, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Denton in 2026?
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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
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 Denton. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Denton 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