Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Dallas, TX: $83,451 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Dallas, TX earns a median $83,451/year (≈ $40.12/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Dallas's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.1), that paycheck buys what $80,950 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.6% above the Texas state average.
Official BLS data · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Dallas, TX, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $83,451 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national median of $74,332. Salary ranges for professionals in this field vary significantly, from $55,774 at the 10th percentile to $97,875 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, reflecting a growing demand in the area. The salary potential can be especially attractive for those considering the COTA-to-MOT bridge, as advancing education and credentials can significantly boost lifetime earnings. With a steady job market for around 1,220 occupational therapy assistants currently employed in the region, the job outlook remains promising for new entrants and seasoned professionals alike.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,774 | $26.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $79,863 | $38.40 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $83,451 | $40.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $93,979 | $45.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97,875 | $47.06 |
Median Salary Position
12.27% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dallas
In Dallas, TX, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,101 (2026 est.). At $83,451, the local median is 12.27% above the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Dallas: You'd be above the median
How Dallas Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Dallas median: $83,451/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Dallas Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $78,284 | +6.60% more |
| National Average | $74,332 | +12.27% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Dallas, TX earn a median of $83,451 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.27% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 6.60% above the Texas state average of $78,284.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Dallas has a cost of living 3.09% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Dallas, TX has a cost-of-living index of 103.09 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $83,451 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $80,950 — a 3% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$66,890
2025 BLS Actual
$81,170
2026 Current Est.
$83,451
2019–2027 Growth
+28.3%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Dallas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66,890 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,662 | Actual |
| 2021 | $77,820 | Actual |
| 2022 | $79,370 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,810 | Actual |
| 2024 | $79,970 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,170 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,451 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,796 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Dallas metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 21.3% from $66,890 (2019) to $81,170 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $85,796 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,906 (28.26%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dallas 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) | $55,774 – $79,863 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $79,863 – $83,451 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $83,451 – $93,979 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $93,979 – $97,875 |
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 Dallas
The local job market for occupational therapy assistants is bolstered by a cost-of-living index of 103.09, making it essential for professionals to understand how this impacts their take-home pay. Among various employment settings, skilled nursing facilities typically offer the highest wages, while school district contracts and outpatient clinics may provide different compensation structures. Factors that influence the pay disparity include the specific work environment, productivity expectations, and variations in Medicaid reimbursements. Additionally, shifts in the 15% Medicare Part B cut for OTA services can keep rates volatile. To maximize occupational therapy assistant pay in Dallas, professionals should consider roles in settings that tend to offer higher compensation, engage in continual professional development, and evaluate the benefits of expanding their skill set through advanced certifications or degrees.
More salary data for Dallas, 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 $81,170 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Dallas 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-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