Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Plano, TX: $81,816 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Plano, TX earns a median $81,816/year (≈ $39.34/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Plano's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $85,225 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% above the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the occupational therapy assistant salary in Plano, TX is projected to reach an impressive $81,816 annually, which reflects a significant advantage over the national median of $74,332. The salary range for this profession in the area varies widely from $54,351 at the 10th percentile to $102,547 at the 90th percentile, showcasing the potential for substantial earnings based on experience and setting. These figures are drawn from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost considerations. Notably, the market for occupational therapy assistants in Plano remains robust, driven by the demand for services across various healthcare settings, indicating a steady pathway for COTAs pursuing further credentials through the COTA-to-MOT bridge program, which can lead to lifelong financial growth.
About the Plano Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,351 | $26.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66,735 | $32.09 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $81,816 | $39.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89,936 | $43.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102,547 | $49.30 |
Median Salary Position
10.07% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Plano
In Plano, TX, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,196 (2026 est.). At $81,816, the local median is 10.07% above the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Plano: You'd be above the median
How Plano Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Plano median: $81,816/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Plano Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $78,293 | +4.50% more |
| National Average | $74,332 | +10.07% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Plano, TX earn a median of $81,816 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.07% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 4.50% above the Texas state average of $78,293.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Plano 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.
Plano, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $81,816 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $85,225 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$67,704
2025 BLS Actual
$79,580
2026 Current Est.
$81,816
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Plano (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,704 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,278 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,946 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,719 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,757 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,216 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,580 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,816 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,115 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Plano metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $67,704 (2019) to $79,580 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $84,115 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,411 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plano 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) | $54,351 – $66,735 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $66,735 – $81,816 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $81,816 – $89,936 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $89,936 – $102,547 |
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 Plano
With 57 occupational therapy assistants currently employed in the Plano region, the local job market presents a promising outlook for those entering the field. The cost of living index in Plano is 96, suggesting that the local economy is slightly more affordable than the national average, potentially enhancing purchasing power for professionals. Jobs in skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation settings generally offer the highest pay, especially when factoring in productivity expectations and the impacts of the recent 15% Medicare reimbursement cut, which has affected compensation in outpatient and SNF environments. To maximize earning potential in this market, COTAs should consider gaining experience in higher-paying specialties, seeking opportunities in outpatient clinics and specialized programs that may offer weekend or PRN premiums, and exploring year-round contracts which can provide more consistent income compared to school-year schedules.
More salary data for Plano, 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 $79,580 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Plano 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 Plano 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