Senior Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Cleburne, TX: $94,512 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of occupational therapy assistants working in Cleburne, TX — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $94,512/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2011. Strip back Cleburne's price premium (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $98,450 in average-cost America. The 21% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, an experienced occupational therapy assistant salary in Cleburne, TX, presents considerable earning potential, especially for those who have specialized skills and deep expertise. Senior occupational therapy assistants in this area can anticipate salaries reaching as high as $94,512, with the 75th percentile earning around $84,918. This places the top performers significantly above the median salary of $77,858, illustrating the lucrative nature of advanced roles in this field. Achieving this elevated compensation requires a combination of extensive experience, proven competency in various therapeutic techniques, and often specialization in areas such as pediatric or geriatric therapy. The Cleburne market reflects an experience premium, rewarding the top-tier professionals who can navigate complex patient needs and deliver exceptional support.
About the Cleburne Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cleburne
Experienced occupational therapy assistants at the top of the pay scale in Cleburne earn between $84,918 and $94,512 per year (2026 est.). This $37,158 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Cleburne median of $77,858 sits 4.74% above the US median.
Top OTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Cleburne | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $77,858 | $74,332 |
| 75th Percentile | $84,918 | $81,384 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $94,512 | $92,303 |
In Cleburne, experienced occupational therapy assistants (P90) earn 21.39% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay in Cleburne
Advanced Certifications in Texas
TX occupational therapy assistants with additional specialty certifications within the occupational therapy field earn significantly above the $77,858 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Cleburne employers.
Specialty Focus
Occupational Therapy Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the occupational therapy field in Cleburne command premium compensation, often reaching the $84,918–$94,512 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Cleburne metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced occupational therapy assistants who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured occupational therapy assistants in Cleburne with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Texas who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Career & Wage Growth Path in Cleburne
Clinical Occupational Therapy Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Occupational Therapy Assistant
5-10 yearsOccupational Therapy Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedCleburne ranks #55 of 109 Texas cities for top earner occupational therapy assistant salary (90th percentile: $94,512).
Top 10% occupational therapy assistant compensation in Cleburne ($94,512) is 2.88% below the Texas average P90 ($97,313).
2019 BLS Actual
$84,178
2025 BLS Actual
$91,929
2026 Current Est.
$94,512
2019–2027 Growth
+15.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Cleburne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $84,178 | Actual |
| 2020 | $86,103 | Actual |
| 2021 | $82,130 | Actual |
| 2022 | $87,628 | Actual |
| 2023 | $91,366 | Actual |
| 2024 | $90,172 | Actual |
| 2025 | $91,929 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $94,512 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $97,168 | Projected |
Top-earning occupational therapy assistants (90th percentile) in Cleburne saw their compensation grow 9.2% from $84,178 in 2019 to $91,929 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.81% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $97,168 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cleburne 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.
Maximizing Your Occupational Therapy Assistant Earnings in Cleburne
In Cleburne, specialized skills can dramatically influence senior occupational therapy assistant pay in TX, particularly in sectors like pediatric and geriatric therapy, mental health, and hand therapy support. Compensation varies notably based on the type of employer; skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation settings typically offer higher wages compared to school districts and outpatient clinics. Furthermore, leadership pathways, including roles as lead OTAs or clinical education coordinators, not only amplify the earning potential but also invite more responsibility and professional growth. Obtaining advanced credentials, such as the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) credential through NBCOT and participation in continued education programs, boosts senior income levels. As practitioners face the ongoing implications of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut, strategic moves into areas of greater demand, like home health or early intervention programs, can be prudent for those looking to secure a substantial salary in this evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Cleburne, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced occupational therapy assistants make in Cleburne in 2026?
What drives higher occupational therapy assistant pay in Cleburne?
What certifications boost occupational therapy assistant salary in Cleburne?
Can experienced occupational therapy assistants make six figures in Cleburne?
How much does occupational therapy assistant salary increase over time in Cleburne?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $91,929 for occupational therapy assistants in the Cleburne metro area. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cleburne 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