Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Arlington, TX: $81,765 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Arlington, TX earns a median $81,765/year (≈ $39.31/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Arlington's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $85,172 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.4% above the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, occupational therapy assistants in Arlington, TX, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $81,765, which is approximately 10% higher than the national median of $74,332. The salary range for this profession spans from $54,067 at the 10th percentile (P10) to $105,436 at the 90th percentile (P90). These figures come from estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price parity. The varying pay scales reflect the distinct environments in which assistants work—such as skilled nursing facilities, schools, and hospitals—each facing different challenges in light of reduced Medicare reimbursements. As demand for therapy services continues to rise, particularly in the wake of the 15% Medicare cut impact on effectiveness and reimbursement, the job market in Arlington remains strong for occupational therapy assistants.
About the Arlington Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,067 | $25.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66,441 | $31.94 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $81,765 | $39.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $91,416 | $43.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $105,436 | $50.69 |
Median Salary Position
10.00% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Arlington
In Arlington, TX, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,369 (2026 est.). At $81,765, the local median is 10% above the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Arlington: You'd be above the median
How Arlington Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Arlington median: $81,765/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Arlington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $78,319 | +4.40% more |
| National Average | $74,332 | +10.00% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Arlington, TX earn a median of $81,765 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.00% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 4.40% above the Texas state average of $78,319.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Arlington has a cost of living 4.00% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Arlington, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $81,765 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $85,172 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$67,661
2025 BLS Actual
$79,530
2026 Current Est.
$81,765
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Arlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,661 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,234 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,903 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,675 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,711 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,061 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,530 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,765 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,062 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Arlington metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $67,661 (2019) to $79,530 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $84,062 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,401 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Arlington 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $54,067 – $66,441 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $66,441 – $81,765 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $81,765 – $91,416 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $91,416 – $105,436 |
OTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapy assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Market in Arlington
As of the latest data, Arlington employs around 83 occupational therapy assistants, providing a stable job environment despite recent Medicare adjustments. With a cost of living index of 96, living expenses in Arlington are below the national average, which in turn enhances purchasing power for COTAs in the area. Among local employers, hospital inpatient rehabilitation facilities tend to offer the highest compensation compared to skilled nursing facilities and school district contracts. Factors influencing salary disparities in this market include productivity expectations, varying contract terms, and the financial implications of the Medicare reimbursement cut. To maximize earnings, COTAs should consider diversifying their experience across settings, such as seeking employment in higher-paying firms or pursuing school-year contracts that can lead to summer opportunities. Additionally, exploring advanced certifications or bridging pathways to a Master's degree can potentially open new doors to higher-paying roles and enhance career prospects.
More salary data for Arlington, 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $79,530 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Arlington metropolitan area. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Arlington 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