Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Sugar Land, TX: $37.55 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Sugar Land, TX runs $37.55 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,094 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Sugar Land's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $39.11 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,858 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Sugar Land, TX can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $37.55, which is notably higher than the national median of $35.74. This pay scale makes the role appealing for part-time workers and per-diem occupational therapy assistants, typically employed in settings like skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, and outpatient clinics. With an hourly pay range from $27.07 for entry-level positions to $47.60 for the highest earners, these professionals have varied earning potential based on their experience and the specifics of their employment settings. As the median hourly rate is an estimate derived from annual salary information, those entering the field may see different compensation based on individual circumstances, location, and workplace demands.
About the Sugar Land 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) | $27.07 | $216.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.10 | $256.78 |
| Median (P50) | $37.55 | $300.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.71 | $333.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.60 | $380.81 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sugar Land
Based on $37.55/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.55/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sugar Land, TX can expect to earn approximately $78,096 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,055. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sugar Land.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sugar Land
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,501.85 | $6,508 | $78,096 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $901.11 | $3,905 | $46,858 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $600.74 | $2,603 | $31,238 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Sugar Land) | $37.55 |
| 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 Sugar Land, TX earn a median of $78,094 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.06% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 0.30% below the Texas state average of $78,329.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.55/hr = $46,858/year (purchasing power: $48,810).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,096/year (purchasing power: $81,350).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.55/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Sugar Land (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.07/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.79/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.18/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.45/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.55/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Sugar Land grew 17.5% from $31.07/hr (2019) to $36.52/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.60/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 Sugar Land 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 Sugar Land
For those considering part-time work as an occupational therapy assistant, committing to a three-day workweek (24 hours) can yield a significant income. When calculated annually, a part-time COTA would traditionally take home around $46,000, as opposed to full-time earnings, which can exceed the $78,094 median. In the realm of per diem work, compensation varies; while many bill between $30 to $45 per hour, travel contracts can command $1,100 to $1,700 weekly, although some benefits may be foregone for the higher pay rates. In Sugar Land, the pay rates for occupational therapy assistants differ across employer types; skilled nursing facilities may offer lower hourly wages, while home health agencies or agency work can present valuable negotiation opportunities for those seeking higher pay with varying benefits. Understanding the trade-offs between hourly rates and health benefits plays a key role in making informed decisions. For anyone negotiating their pay in Sugar Land, emphasizing experience and specialized skills can prove advantageous in reaching a favorable agreement.
More salary data for Sugar Land, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Sugar Land in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Sugar Land?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Sugar Land paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Sugar Land?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Sugar Land?
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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 Sugar Land. 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 Sugar Land 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