Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Fort Worth, TX: $39.86 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Fort Worth, TX runs $39.86 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,907 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Fort Worth's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $41.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,745 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fort Worth, TX, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected to be $39.86 in 2026, surpassing the national median hourly rate of $35.74. This competitive pay reflects the growing demand for skilled professionals in various therapeutic environments, including skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and home health visits. The hourly wage range starts at $28.29 for entry-level positions and can go up to $52.55 for more experienced practitioners, offering flexibility for part-time workers and per-diem staff. This rate means that part-time occupational therapy assistants working three days a week can expect a significant income while retaining the ability to balance work and personal life.
About the Fort Worth 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) | $28.29 | $226.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.88 | $271.01 |
| Median (P50) | $39.86 | $318.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.24 | $361.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.55 | $420.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fort Worth
Based on $39.86/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.86/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fort Worth, TX can expect to earn approximately $82,908 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,831. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fort Worth.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fort Worth
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,594.38 | $6,909 | $82,908 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $956.63 | $4,145 | $49,745 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $637.75 | $2,764 | $33,163 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Fort Worth) | $39.86 |
| 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 Fort Worth, TX earn a median of $82,907 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.54% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 5.90% above the Texas state average of $78,288.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.86/hr = $49,745/year (purchasing power: $51,817).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,908/year (purchasing power: $86,362).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$32.98/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.77/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.86/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Fort Worth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.98/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.75/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.45/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.77/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.86/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.98/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Fort Worth grew 17.5% from $32.98/hr (2019) to $38.77/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.98/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 Fort Worth 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 Fort Worth
Analyzing the hourly earning potential reveals that a part-time occupational therapy assistant working 24 hours a week could bring home roughly $62,778 annually, considerably less than their full-time counterparts at 40 hours per week, offering around $82,907. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Fort Worth can vary, typically ranging from $30 to $45 per hour, with travel positions offering contracts that earn between $1,100 and $1,700 weekly. Employment in different settings influences pay as well. Skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation usually yield lower rates due to fiscal constraints linked to Medicare reimbursements, while outpatient clinics and early intervention programs might provide better compensation. Some occupational therapy assistants might opt for positions with lower hourly rates to secure benefits like healthcare and retirement plans, whereas those who prioritize a higher wage might forgo benefits. When negotiating pay in Fort Worth, it's essential to have a clear understanding of local market rates, emphasizing specific skills or certifications that can justify higher earnings.
More salary data for Fort Worth, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Fort Worth in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Fort Worth?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Fort Worth paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Fort Worth?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Fort Worth?
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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 Fort Worth. 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 Fort Worth 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