Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Leander, TX: $36.54 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Leander, TX runs $36.54 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $76,002 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Leander's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $38.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,600 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay in Leander, Texas, is projected at $36.54, surpassing the national median hourly rate of $35.74. This competitive pay presents favorable opportunities, especially for those opting to work part-time, such as a common schedule of three days a week. With this typical workload in various settings, including skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics, a part-time occupational therapy assistant could significantly enhance their take-home pay while enjoying more flexible hours. Furthermore, entry-level positions will start around $26.31 an hour, while experienced practitioners can earn up to $44.91 per hour, reflecting a range that allows new professionals to enter the workforce and seasoned assistants to maximize their earnings.
About the Leander 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) | $26.31 | $210.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.24 | $249.95 |
| Median (P50) | $36.54 | $292.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.89 | $319.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.91 | $359.26 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Leander
Based on $36.54/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.54/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Leander, TX can expect to earn approximately $76,000 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,846. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Leander.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Leander
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,461.55 | $6,333 | $76,000 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $876.93 | $3,800 | $45,600 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $584.62 | $2,533 | $30,400 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Leander) | $36.54 |
| 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 Leander, TX earn a median of $76,002 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.25% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 3.00% below the Texas state average of $78,353.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.54/hr = $45,600/year (purchasing power: $47,500).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $76,000/year (purchasing power: $79,167).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.24/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.54/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.54/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Leander (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.24/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.94/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.34/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.54/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.54/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Leander grew 17.5% from $30.24/hr (2019) to $35.54/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.57/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 Leander 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 Leander
For those considering part-time roles, an occupational therapy assistant working 24 hours a week could take home approximately $45,000 annually, which highlights a viable income compared to full-time colleagues. Additionally, per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Leander typically ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, offering flexibility for those wanting to work on an as-needed basis. It's essential to note that while agency positions might yield higher rates, such as travel contracts that reach $1,700 a week, the reduction in reimbursements since 2022 has led to a decline in premium pay for some roles. Work settings like schools, outpatient facilities, or home health agencies often present varying hourly rates. COTAs should also weigh the benefits of hourly rates with or without health insurance, as those with benefits might accept lower hourly rates for greater job security and health coverage. Negotiation is key in this market; professionals are encouraged to emphasize their certifications and experience to secure optimal rates.
More salary data for Leander, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Leander in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Leander?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Leander paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Leander?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Leander?
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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 Leander. 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 Leander 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