Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Longview, TX: $37.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Longview, TX runs $37.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,208 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Longview's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.5, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $42.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,922 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Longview, TX, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected at $37.60, which is notably higher than the national median of $35.74. For part-time or per-diem occupational therapy assistants, this means potential earnings in various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and home health visits can vary greatly. Those entering the profession can expect to start at the lower end of the pay scale around $27.00 per hour, while seasoned COTAs might reach up to $46.81 hourly, illustrating a clear pathway for career advancement and income growth. This hourly data is based on the 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, reflecting the job market's evolving conditions in the local healthcare landscape.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.00 | $215.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.11 | $280.88 |
| Median (P50) | $37.60 | $300.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.20 | $329.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.81 | $374.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Longview
Based on $37.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.60/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Longview, TX can expect to earn approximately $78,203 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,117. With a cost-of-living index of 89.48 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Longview.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Longview
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,503.90 | $6,517 | $78,203 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $902.34 | $3,910 | $46,922 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $601.56 | $2,607 | $31,281 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Longview) | $37.60 |
| 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 Longview, TX earn a median of $78,208 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.21% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 0.10% below the Texas state average of $78,286.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.60/hr = $46,922/year (purchasing power: $52,435).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,203/year (purchasing power: $87,392).
CoL index: 89.485 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.57/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Longview (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.11/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.14/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.12/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.57/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.65/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Longview grew 17.5% from $31.11/hr (2019) to $36.57/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.65/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 Longview 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 Longview
Exploring the financial implications of part-time or per-diem work reveals that a COTA working three days a week could earn approximately $29,344 annually, significantly less than a full-time colleague. For those considering agency roles, per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Longview typically ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, with travel COTA contracts offering enticing weekly rates between $1,100 and $1,700. The competitive environment among employers such as skilled nursing facilities, inpatient rehab centers, and school districts results in variable pay rates, influenced heavily by the recent 15% Medicare cut affecting OTA-provided services. Many COTAs must weigh their options carefully; while higher pay may be available without benefits, some choose stability and insurance from lower-paying but more secure positions. For those negotiating hourly rates, it’s beneficial to understand the specific demands of various employer types in Longview and to be prepared to demonstrate the impact of each role on patient care outcomes, especially under the supervision of an OT.
More salary data for Longview, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Longview in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Longview?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Longview paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Longview?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Longview?
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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 Longview. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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