Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Tomball, TX: $34.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Tomball, TX runs $34.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $71,828 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Tomball's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,098 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Tomball, Texas, the projected median hourly pay for an occupational therapy assistant is $34.53, which is slightly below the national average of $35.74. This hourly pay offers a viable option for both full-time and part-time workers, making the profession appealing to those seeking flexible schedules or per-diem opportunities. Part-time occupational therapy assistants typically working three days a week in various healthcare settings—such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and home health visits—can earn a competitive wage while maintaining a balanced lifestyle. With an hourly range spanning from $26.33 at entry-level positions to about $39.59 for experienced practitioners, potential earnings reflect the diversity of job settings and levels of expertise.
About the Tomball 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) | $26.33 | $210.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.26 | $242.06 |
| Median (P50) | $34.53 | $276.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.36 | $290.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.59 | $316.74 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tomball
Based on $34.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.53/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tomball, TX can expect to earn approximately $71,830 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,441. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Tomball.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tomball
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,381.36 | $5,986 | $71,830 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $828.81 | $3,592 | $43,098 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $552.54 | $2,394 | $28,732 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Tomball) | $34.53 |
| 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 Tomball, TX earn a median of $71,828 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.37% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 8.30% below the Texas state average of $78,330.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.53/hr = $43,098/year (purchasing power: $44,894).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $71,830/year (purchasing power: $74,823).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.58/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.59/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Tomball (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.58/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.24/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.85/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.59/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Tomball grew 17.5% from $28.58/hr (2019) to $33.59/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.50/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 Tomball 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 Tomball
Evaluating the financial landscape for those working part-time or per diem, an occupational therapy assistant putting in 24 hours a week would earn a notable income, although it remains considerably less than full-time colleagues, who typically clock in at around 40 hours weekly. For per-diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Tomball, rates often vary between $30-$45 per hour. Agency or locum tenens jobs can offer even more lucrative contracts, with travel positions yielding between $1,100 and $1,700 weekly. However, some professionals trade off higher hourly rates for benefits like health insurance, which can be critical for those managing family expenses. Those seeking employment in more specialized settings such as outpatient clinics or early intervention programs might have different expectations regarding hourly rates. As you negotiate your pay, understanding the nuances of hourly work in Tomball's healthcare environment will empower you to advocate effectively for your worth.
More salary data for Tomball, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Tomball. 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 Tomball 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