Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Harlingen, TX: $36.31 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Harlingen, TX runs $36.31 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $75,540 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Harlingen's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $37.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,318 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Harlingen, TX, the projected occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is notably competitive, with a median rate of $36.31. This figure surpasses the national hourly median of $35.74, highlighting the region's appeal for COTAs looking to establish a meaningful career. For individuals working part-time in various healthcare settings—like skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, and outpatient clinics—this hourly rate can significantly influence their income. Part-time workers, who may be on a 3-day work schedule averaging around 24 hours per week, could find themselves earning a steady wage while maintaining a balanced lifestyle. The hourly pay range spans from $25.58 for entry-level positions to $43.73 for the top earners in the field, providing a clear pathway for growth based on experience and setting.
About the Harlingen 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) | $25.58 | $204.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.89 | $255.13 |
| Median (P50) | $36.31 | $290.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.10 | $312.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.73 | $349.80 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Harlingen
Based on $36.31/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.31/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Harlingen, TX can expect to earn approximately $75,530 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,575. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Harlingen.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Harlingen
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,452.50 | $6,294 | $75,530 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $871.50 | $3,776 | $45,318 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $581.00 | $2,518 | $30,212 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Harlingen) | $36.31 |
| 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 Harlingen, TX earn a median of $75,540 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.63% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 3.60% below the Texas state average of $78,361.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.31/hr = $45,318/year (purchasing power: $47,206).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $75,530/year (purchasing power: $78,677).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.32/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.31/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Harlingen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.05/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.75/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.74/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.34/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.32/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.31/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.33/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Harlingen grew 17.5% from $30.05/hr (2019) to $35.32/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.33/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 Harlingen 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 Harlingen
Focusing on potential earnings, a part-time occupational therapy assistant in Harlingen can realistically expect to take home around $46,211 annually if adhering to a regular part-time schedule. This contrasts sharply with full-time COTAs, who benefit from expanded income and additional employment perks. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Harlingen typically falls between $30 and $45 per hour, making these positions attractive for those seeking flexibility. However, agency work recently faced challenges, notably after the 2022 Medicare reimbursement cuts that reduced premiums for skilled nursing facility contracts. Pay variations may also arise based on employer types; for example, those working in school districts often receive different compensation compared to those in outpatient practice. Some COTAs choose lower hourly rates for essential benefits like health insurance, making negotiating pay a vital skill. Understanding local market trends and fostering effective communication can empower COTAs to seek fair compensation, whether they are pursuing full-time positions or flexible per diem work in Harlingen.
More salary data for Harlingen, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Harlingen in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Harlingen?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Harlingen paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Harlingen?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Harlingen?
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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 Harlingen. 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 Harlingen 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