Senior Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Wichita Falls, TX: $98,800 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of occupational therapy assistants working in Wichita Falls, TX — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $98,800/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2011. Strip back Wichita Falls's price premium (BEA RPP 89.5, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $110,375 in average-cost America. The 29% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, a senior occupational therapy assistant in Wichita Falls, Texas can expect to earn a median annual salary of $76,542, with top earners bringing in as much as $98,800. This figure reflects a significant gap between the median and the upper echelon of the pay scale, highlighting the premium that experience commands in this market. The $81,950 at the 75th percentile further underscores that advanced skills and extensive years in the field can lead to lucrative opportunities. Achieving top-tier pay requires seasoned expertise, often supplemented by specializations or leadership roles, enabling experienced professionals to distinguish themselves in a competitive landscape.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wichita Falls
Experienced occupational therapy assistants at the top of the pay scale in Wichita Falls earn between $81,950 and $98,800 per year (2026 est.). This $25,311 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Wichita Falls median of $76,542 sits 2.97% above the US median.
Top OTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Wichita Falls | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $76,542 | $74,332 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,950 | $81,384 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $98,800 | $92,303 |
In Wichita Falls, experienced occupational therapy assistants (P90) earn 29.08% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay in Wichita Falls
Advanced Certifications in Texas
TX occupational therapy assistants with additional specialty certifications within the occupational therapy field earn significantly above the $76,542 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Wichita Falls employers.
Specialty Focus
Occupational Therapy Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the occupational therapy field in Wichita Falls command premium compensation, often reaching the $81,950–$98,800 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Wichita Falls 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 Wichita Falls 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 Wichita Falls
Clinical Occupational Therapy Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Occupational Therapy Assistant
5-10 yearsOccupational Therapy Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedWichita Falls ranks #24 of 109 Texas cities for top earner occupational therapy assistant salary (90th percentile: $98,800).
Top 10% occupational therapy assistant compensation in Wichita Falls ($98,800) is 1.53% above the Texas average P90 ($97,313).
2019 BLS Actual
$87,997
2025 BLS Actual
$96,100
2026 Current Est.
$98,800
2019–2027 Growth
+15.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Wichita Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $87,997 | Actual |
| 2020 | $90,009 | Actual |
| 2021 | $85,856 | Actual |
| 2022 | $91,604 | Actual |
| 2023 | $81,900 | Actual |
| 2024 | $87,930 | Actual |
| 2025 | $96,100 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $98,800 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $101,577 | Projected |
Top-earning occupational therapy assistants (90th percentile) in Wichita Falls saw their compensation grow 9.2% from $87,997 in 2019 to $96,100 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 $101,577 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wichita Falls 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 Wichita Falls
Beyond base salaries, compensation can vary considerably based on the area of specialization and the type of employer. In Wichita Falls, niche areas such as pediatric therapy, geriatric rehabilitation, and hand therapy support often command higher salaries for experienced occupational therapy assistants. Moreover, shifts in pay structures occur across different settings: skilled nursing facilities may offer less favorable compensation compared to hospital inpatient rehab or outpatient clinics owing to the effects of the recent 15% Medicare reimbursement cut. To maximize earning potential, pursuing advanced credentials through the NBCOT and considering leadership roles like clinic operations coordinator or OTA program faculty can provide career advancement. With a continuous growth rate of 2.81% projected for the field, committed professionals can expect not only increased salaries but also enhanced job security in an evolving healthcare environment.
More salary data for Wichita Falls, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced occupational therapy assistants make in Wichita Falls in 2026?
What drives higher occupational therapy assistant pay in Wichita Falls?
What certifications boost occupational therapy assistant salary in Wichita Falls?
Can experienced occupational therapy assistants make six figures in Wichita Falls?
How much does occupational therapy assistant salary increase over time in Wichita Falls?
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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 $96,100 for occupational therapy assistants in the Wichita Falls 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, 3-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