Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Tyler, TX: $37.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Tyler, TX runs $37.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,395 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Tyler's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.2, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $40.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,434 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Tyler, Texas, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected to reach $37.21 in 2026, surpassing the national hourly median of $35.74. This competitive rate makes it an appealing choice for those looking to work part-time, as individuals employed three days a week can expect substantial earnings without the commitment of a full-time schedule. The hourly pay for occupational therapy assistants in Tyler varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $24.72 per hour and high earners making up to $45.35. Official Bureau of Labor Statistics data highlights this range, emphasizing the diverse opportunities available in settings such as skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and schools.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.72 | $197.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.08 | $256.61 |
| Median (P50) | $37.21 | $297.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.29 | $322.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.35 | $362.80 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tyler
Based on $37.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.21/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tyler, TX can expect to earn approximately $77,390 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,648. With a cost-of-living index of 92.16 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Tyler.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tyler
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,488.28 | $6,449 | $77,390 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $892.97 | $3,870 | $46,434 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $595.31 | $2,580 | $30,956 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Tyler) | $37.21 |
| 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 Tyler, TX earn a median of $77,395 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.12% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 1.20% below the Texas state average of $78,335.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.21/hr = $46,434/year (purchasing power: $50,387).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,390/year (purchasing power: $83,978).
CoL index: 92.156 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$32.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+19.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Tyler (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.94/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.38/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Tyler grew 12.8% from $32.08/hr (2019) to $36.19/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.25/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 Tyler 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 Tyler
For part-time occupational therapy assistants working a typical schedule of 24 hours a week, the annual income can be quite different from full-time earnings, potentially totaling around $46,107 annually. Conversely, per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Tyler tends to be competitive, usually ranging from $30 to $45 per hour depending on the facility. Travel contracts can further increase earnings, with weekly bills reaching between $1,100 and $1,700. Job markets vary; for instance, skilled nursing facility pay may not always be as high given the reimbursement cuts post-2022, prompting some to opt for school district or home health positions that offer better benefits. When negotiating hourly rates in Tyler, understanding the trade-offs—like the choice between lower pay with health insurance versus higher pay without benefits—can lead to more effective discussions during job offers and evaluations.
More salary data for Tyler, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Tyler in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Tyler?
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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 Tyler. 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, 7-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