Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Lufkin, TX: $35.74 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Lufkin, TX runs $35.74 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $74,339 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Lufkin's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $37.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,599 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lufkin, TX, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected to be $35.74 in 2026, aligning with the national hourly median of $35.74. This rate offers stability for those looking at both part-time positions and per-diem opportunities within a range of clinical environments such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, school therapy sessions, and outpatient clinics. For part-time therapy assistants working three days a week, this translates to potential earnings of approximately $1,143 weekly, while entry-level positions usually begin around $26.59 and can reach up to $42.40 for more experienced professionals. Such hourly rates are derived from annual salary data, providing a solid basis for understanding what COTAs can expect to earn in Lufkin's relatively favorable job market.
About the Lufkin 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) | $26.59 | $212.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.96 | $247.65 |
| Median (P50) | $35.74 | $285.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.41 | $307.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.40 | $339.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lufkin
Based on $35.74/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.74/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lufkin, TX can expect to earn approximately $74,332 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,884. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lufkin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lufkin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,429.47 | $6,194 | $74,332 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $857.68 | $3,717 | $44,599 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $571.79 | $2,478 | $29,733 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Lufkin) | $35.74 |
| 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 Lufkin, TX earn a median of $74,339 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.01% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 5.10% below the Texas state average of $78,334.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.74/hr = $44,599/year (purchasing power: $46,458).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $74,332/year (purchasing power: $77,430).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.57/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.74/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Lufkin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.57/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.26/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.22/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.29/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.74/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Lufkin grew 17.5% from $29.57/hr (2019) to $34.76/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.74/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 Lufkin 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 Lufkin
For occupational therapy assistants considering part-time work, the earnings can vary significantly compared to full-time roles. A part-time assistant working 24 hours a week might take home around $59,496 annually, a figure that highlights the financial trade-offs involved in working less. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Lufkin typically ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, making it a viable option for those seeking more flexibility, particularly in response to employment fluctuation due to the 15% cut in Medicare reimbursement for OTA services since 2022. Moreover, hourly pay can differ widely based on the employer; skilled nursing facilities might offer lower rates compared to outpatient clinics or specialized settings, where demand can drive higher remuneration. Some occupational therapy assistants might accept lower hourly pay for the associated benefits, while others might choose higher hourly wages without additional support. Negotiation is essential, especially in a competitive market like Lufkin; knowing the average rates and understanding individual worth can aid COTAs in securing favorable terms.
More salary data for Lufkin, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Lufkin in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Lufkin?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Lufkin paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Lufkin?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Lufkin?
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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 Lufkin. 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 Lufkin 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