Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in DeSoto, TX: $37.74 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in DeSoto, TX runs $37.74 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,508 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against DeSoto's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $39.31 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,101 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those considering a career as an occupational therapy assistant in DeSoto, TX, the projected median hourly rate of $37.74 is compelling, especially when compared to the national hourly median of $35.74. This favorable rate not only reflects opportunities within various facilities, such as skilled nursing environments, hospital rehabilitation units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and home health care, but also suggests favorable working conditions for both part-time and per-diem employees. Those working three days per week can expect to earn a solid income, with entry-level positions starting around $26.23 per hour, while top earners can command up to $48.72 hourly. These estimates are based on annual salary data converted to hourly rates, ultimately indicating a robust job market for occupational therapy assistants in the DeSoto area.
About the DeSoto 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) | $26.23 | $209.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.47 | $251.76 |
| Median (P50) | $37.74 | $301.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.42 | $323.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.72 | $389.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in DeSoto
Based on $37.74/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.74/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in DeSoto, TX can expect to earn approximately $78,502 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,290. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in DeSoto.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in DeSoto
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,509.66 | $6,542 | $78,502 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $905.80 | $3,925 | $47,101 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $603.86 | $2,617 | $31,401 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (DeSoto) | $37.74 |
| 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 DeSoto, TX earn a median of $78,508 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.62% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 0.20% above the Texas state average of $78,351.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.74/hr = $47,101/year (purchasing power: $49,064).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,502/year (purchasing power: $81,773).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.74/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in DeSoto (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.23/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.34/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.16/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.74/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in DeSoto grew 17.5% from $31.23/hr (2019) to $36.71/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.80/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 DeSoto 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 DeSoto
Focusing on part-time earnings, a three-day work schedule totaling 24 hours weekly yields around $47,200 annually, which significantly differs from full-time compensation. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in DeSoto typically ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, with agency COTAs earning between $1,100 and $1,700 weekly for travel roles, although some rate fluctuations have emerged due to changes in Medicare reimbursements. Hourly rates can vary based on the type of employer, like skilled nursing facilities or outpatient clinics, affecting overall compensation and benefits. Occupational therapy assistants may face choices between positions with lower hourly rates but better health insurance, versus roles offering higher pay without benefits. Accordingly, effective negotiation for hourly workers can be beneficial; being aware of local pay standards and demonstrating expertise can lead to more favorable compensation terms in DeSoto.
More salary data for DeSoto, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in DeSoto in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in DeSoto?
Are occupational therapy assistants in DeSoto paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in DeSoto?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in DeSoto?
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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 DeSoto. 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 DeSoto 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