Senior Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Longview, TX: $97,351 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of occupational therapy assistants working in Longview, TX — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $97,351/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2011. Strip back Longview's price premium (BEA RPP 89.5, 11% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $108,790 in average-cost America. The 24% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
Senior occupational therapy assistants in Longview, Texas, have significant earning potential, with top-tier salaries reaching $97,351 in 2026. This represents a considerable gap between the median annual salary of $78,208 and the upper end of the pay scale. Comparatively, the highest earners in Longview substantially outperform the national average for top occupational therapy assistant salaries, which is projected at $74,332 for 2026. Achieving such high compensation often requires extensive experience, specialized certifications, and a demonstrated ability to excel in clinically demanding settings.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Longview
Experienced occupational therapy assistants at the top of the pay scale in Longview earn between $85,682 and $97,351 per year (2026 est.). This $41,186 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Longview median of $78,208 sits 5.21% above the US median.
Top OTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Longview | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $78,208 | $74,332 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,682 | $81,384 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $97,351 | $92,303 |
In Longview, experienced occupational therapy assistants (P90) earn 24.48% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay in Longview
Advanced Certifications in Texas
TX occupational therapy assistants with additional specialty certifications within the occupational therapy field earn significantly above the $78,208 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Longview employers.
Specialty Focus
Occupational Therapy Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the occupational therapy field in Longview command premium compensation, often reaching the $85,682–$97,351 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Longview 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 Longview 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 Longview
Clinical Occupational Therapy Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Occupational Therapy Assistant
5-10 yearsOccupational Therapy Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLongview ranks #37 of 109 Texas cities for top earner occupational therapy assistant salary (90th percentile: $97,351).
Top 10% occupational therapy assistant compensation in Longview ($97,351) is 0.04% above the Texas average P90 ($97,313).
2019 BLS Actual
$86,706
2025 BLS Actual
$94,690
2026 Current Est.
$97,351
2019–2027 Growth
+15.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Longview (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $86,706 | Actual |
| 2020 | $88,689 | Actual |
| 2021 | $80,130 | Actual |
| 2022 | $92,060 | Actual |
| 2023 | $90,510 | Actual |
| 2024 | $90,350 | Actual |
| 2025 | $94,690 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $97,351 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $100,086 | Projected |
Top-earning occupational therapy assistants (90th percentile) in Longview saw their compensation grow 9.2% from $86,706 in 2019 to $94,690 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 $100,086 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Longview 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 Longview
In Longview, experienced occupational therapy assistants can improve their senior occupational therapy assistant pay TX by pursuing specializations that command premium compensation. Areas such as pediatric care, geriatric services, and mental health support not only enhance the skill set but also increase marketability among various employers, from skilled nursing facilities to outpatient clinics. Notably, those who assume leadership roles, such as clinic operations coordinators or educators, can further amplify their earnings. Advanced credentials, including the COTA designation and additional certifications from AOTA, can also bolster one’s earning potential. Furthermore, compensation varies based on the work setting, where hospital positions typically offer more generous packages compared to school environments, especially in light of recent Medicare reimbursement cuts that have affected income across the board. Exploring diverse roles and paths in the occupational therapy field can lead to both professional advancement and improved salary prospects in this evolving landscape.
More salary data for Longview, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced occupational therapy assistants make in Longview in 2026?
What drives higher occupational therapy assistant pay in Longview?
What certifications boost occupational therapy assistant salary in Longview?
Can experienced occupational therapy assistants make six figures in Longview?
How much does occupational therapy assistant salary increase over time in Longview?
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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 $94,690 for occupational therapy assistants in the Longview 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-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