Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Nacogdoches, TX: $74,333 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Nacogdoches, TX earns a median $74,333/year (≈ $35.74/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Nacogdoches's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $77,430 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% below the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Nacogdoches can expect a competitive median annual salary of $74,333 in 2026, closely aligning with the national figure of $74,332. The local salary range spans from $55,198 at the lower tenth percentile to $88,168 at the upper ninetieth percentile, reflecting various workplace conditions and productivity expectations unique to the region. These salary estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data projected into 2026, suggest a stable compensation environment for COTAs in Nacogdoches, TX, especially given the city's cost of living index of 96, which is below the national average. This context positions Nacogdoches favorably for those pursuing a career in occupational therapy, as the demand for skilled professionals continues to grow.
About the Nacogdoches Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,198 | $26.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62,719 | $30.15 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $74,333 | $35.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,814 | $38.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88,168 | $42.39 |
Median Salary Position
0.00% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Nacogdoches
In Nacogdoches, TX, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $32,970 (2026 est.). At $74,333, the local median is 0% above the national median of $74,332.
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How Nacogdoches Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Nacogdoches median: $74,333/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Nacogdoches Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $78,327 | -5.10% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | +0.00% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Nacogdoches, TX earn a median of $74,333 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.00% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 5.10% below the Texas state average of $78,327.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Nacogdoches 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.
Nacogdoches, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $74,333 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $77,430 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$61,511
2025 BLS Actual
$72,301
2026 Current Est.
$74,333
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Nacogdoches (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,511 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,941 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,731 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,251 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,011 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,245 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,301 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,333 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,421 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Nacogdoches metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $61,511 (2019) to $72,301 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $76,421 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,910 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Nacogdoches 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) | $55,198 – $62,719 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $62,719 – $74,333 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $74,333 – $79,814 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,814 – $88,168 |
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 Nacogdoches
A tight job market exists for occupational therapy assistants in Nacogdoches, with only seven professionals currently employed in the area. This limited employment base signifies that COTAs may need to strategize carefully to maximize their earning potential. Given the local cost-of-living realities, which impact purchasing power, the best employers tend to be inpatient rehabilitation hospitals and outpatient clinics, which often offer higher pay compared to skilled nursing facilities or school district contracts. Factors influencing the wage disparity include the setting of practice and the ongoing effects of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cuts that began in 2022, pressuring pay rates primarily in SNFs and outpatient care. COTAs seeking to enhance their paychecks could consider opportunities in settings that operate year-round or pursue contracts that incentivize weekend or PRN work. By understanding local market dynamics and aligning their skills accordingly, occupational therapy assistants in Nacogdoches can navigate their career paths more effectively.
More salary data for Nacogdoches, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Nacogdoches, TX in 2026?
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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 $72,301 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Nacogdoches 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 Nacogdoches 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