Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Fredericksburg, TX: $35.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Fredericksburg, TX runs $35.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $73,736 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Fredericksburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,240 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Fredericksburg, TX, earn a median hourly rate of $35.45, slightly lower than the national median of $35.74. This competitive wage allows both part-time workers—typically those employed three days a week—and per-diem professionals to maintain a decent standard of living. Given the various settings COTAs may work in, including skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and home health environments, the hourly pay reflects their essential contributions in rehabilitating individuals. The hourly range for occupational therapy assistants in Fredericksburg extends from $27.50 for entry-level positions to about $42.38 for top earners, highlighting the potential for salary growth within this rewarding field. These estimates are derived from annual salary projections based on 2025 BLS data.
About the Fredericksburg 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) | $27.50 | $220.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.40 | $251.19 |
| Median (P50) | $35.45 | $283.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.40 | $307.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.38 | $339.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fredericksburg
Based on $35.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.45/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fredericksburg, TX can expect to earn approximately $73,734 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,539. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fredericksburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fredericksburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,417.96 | $6,144 | $73,734 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $850.77 | $3,687 | $44,240 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $567.18 | $2,458 | $29,493 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Fredericksburg) | $35.45 |
| 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 Fredericksburg, TX earn a median of $73,736 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.80% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 5.90% below the Texas state average of $78,360.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.45/hr = $44,240/year (purchasing power: $46,084).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $73,734/year (purchasing power: $76,806).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.33/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.48/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.45/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Fredericksburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.33/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.44/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.02/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.48/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Fredericksburg grew 17.5% from $29.33/hr (2019) to $34.48/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.45/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 Fredericksburg 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 Fredericksburg
For those working part-time or on a per-diem basis, it’s essential to understand how these hourly rates translate into take-home earnings. A part-time occupational therapy assistant working 24 hours a week can expect to earn approximately $44,208 annually, significantly lower than their full-time counterparts but still a viable option for many. Per-diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Fredericksburg generally falls within the $30-$45 per hour range, providing flexibility but often lacking in benefits. Some professionals seeking travel contracts find competitive weekly earnings, ranging from $1,100 to $1,700, which can make temporary assignments appealing despite fluctuating employer demands. It’s crucial to note that while skilled nursing facilities may offer lower hourly rates post-Medicare cuts, COTAs often accept these positions for the added benefits, making negotiation skills vital. Thus, understanding the employer landscape in Fredericksburg can empower occupational therapy assistants to make informed decisions regarding their professional path.
More salary data for Fredericksburg, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Fredericksburg in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Fredericksburg?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Fredericksburg paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Fredericksburg?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Fredericksburg?
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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 Fredericksburg. 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 Fredericksburg 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