Senior Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Port Arthur, TX: $105,498 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of occupational therapy assistants working in Port Arthur, TX — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $105,498/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2011. Strip back Port Arthur's price premium (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $109,894 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 Port Arthur, the opportunity for experienced occupational therapy assistants to secure top-tier salaries is significant, with projections for 2026 indicating a range hitting as high as $105,498 at the P90 level. This figure not only places local top earners ahead of the national average but also reflects a substantial gap between the median annual salary of $86,878 and the highest compensation brackets. For professionals in this field, reaching these advanced pay levels involves not only a commitment to gaining extensive experience—typically over seven years—but also pursuing specialized skills that align with market demand, such as pediatrics or mental health, which can propel them towards the higher end of this salary spectrum.
About the Port Arthur Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Port Arthur
Experienced occupational therapy assistants at the top of the pay scale in Port Arthur earn between $94,074 and $105,498 per year (2026 est.). This $43,598 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Port Arthur median of $86,878 sits 16.88% above the US median.
Top OTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Port Arthur | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $86,878 | $74,332 |
| 75th Percentile | $94,074 | $81,384 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $105,498 | $92,303 |
In Port Arthur, experienced occupational therapy assistants (P90) earn 21.43% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay in Port Arthur
Advanced Certifications in Texas
TX occupational therapy assistants with additional specialty certifications within the occupational therapy field earn significantly above the $86,878 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Port Arthur employers.
Specialty Focus
Occupational Therapy Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the occupational therapy field in Port Arthur command premium compensation, often reaching the $94,074–$105,498 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Port Arthur 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 Port Arthur 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 Port Arthur
Clinical Occupational Therapy Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Occupational Therapy Assistant
5-10 yearsOccupational Therapy Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedPort Arthur ranks #5 of 109 Texas cities for top earner occupational therapy assistant salary (90th percentile: $105,498).
Top 10% occupational therapy assistant compensation in Port Arthur ($105,498) is 8.41% above the Texas average P90 ($97,313).
2019 BLS Actual
$93,963
2025 BLS Actual
$102,615
2026 Current Est.
$105,498
2019–2027 Growth
+15.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Port Arthur (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $93,963 | Actual |
| 2020 | $96,112 | Actual |
| 2021 | $91,677 | Actual |
| 2022 | $97,815 | Actual |
| 2023 | $101,986 | Actual |
| 2024 | $91,957 | Actual |
| 2025 | $102,615 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $105,498 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $108,463 | Projected |
Top-earning occupational therapy assistants (90th percentile) in Port Arthur saw their compensation grow 9.2% from $93,963 in 2019 to $102,615 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 $108,463 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Port Arthur 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 Port Arthur
Several factors contribute to the variance in senior occupational therapy assistant pay in TX, particularly in Port Arthur, where specializations can significantly enhance earning potential. Employers in skilled nursing facilities and hospitals often offer higher compensation compared to school districts or outpatient clinics, reflecting the demand for experienced practitioners in these settings. Additionally, taking on leadership roles—such as becoming a lead OTA or a regional clinical educator—can further elevate income opportunities. Acquiring credentials like the COTA, along with advanced training in areas recognized by the AOTA, adds to an OTA's marketability, especially in light of the ongoing 15% Medicare reimbursement cuts affecting certain sectors. Thus, a strategic blend of specialization, setting, and leadership can lead to robust compensation for those at the senior level in the profession.
More salary data for Port Arthur, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced occupational therapy assistants make in Port Arthur in 2026?
What drives higher occupational therapy assistant pay in Port Arthur?
What certifications boost occupational therapy assistant salary in Port Arthur?
Can experienced occupational therapy assistants make six figures in Port Arthur?
How much does occupational therapy assistant salary increase over time in Port Arthur?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Texas
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 $102,615 for occupational therapy assistants in the Port Arthur 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 Port Arthur 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