OT Assistant Salary

Dallas vs Fredericksburg: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Dallas, TX and Fredericksburg, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Dallas, TX
$83,451
$40.12/hr
Fredericksburg, TX
$73,736
$35.45/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDallas, TXFredericksburg, TX
Median Salary$83,451$73,736
Hourly Rate$40.12$35.45
Entry Level (P10)$55,774$57,195
25th Percentile$79,863$65,311
75th Percentile$93,979$79,869
Top Earner (P90)$97,875$88,138
Total Employed1,2205
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Dallas ($83,451) and Fredericksburg ($73,736) occupational therapy assistant salaries.DallasFredericksburgMedian Salary$83,451$73,736Entry Level (P10)$55,774$57,195Top Earner (P90)$97,875$88,138US Median $74,332

Verdict

Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fredericksburg.

The salary gap between Dallas and Fredericksburg is $9,715 (13.18%). Dallas's median is +12.27% compared to the US national median of $74,332.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dallas spans $42,101,Fredericksburg spans $30,943. Dallas has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Dallas
P10 (Entry)$55,774
P25$79,863
Median$83,451
P75$93,979
P90 (Top)$97,875
Fredericksburg
P10 (Entry)$57,195
P25$65,311
Median$73,736
P75$79,869
P90 (Top)$88,138

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Dallas ($80,950 effective) pays 5.39% more than Fredericksburg ($76,808 effective).

Dallas
Nominal: $83,451
CoL Index: 103.09
Adjusted: $80,950
Fredericksburg
Nominal: $73,736
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $76,808

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Dallas if…

  • Higher median salary ($83,451/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($97,875)
  • Larger job market (1,220 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,950)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Fredericksburg if…

  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Dallas grew 21.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 4.4% growth in Fredericksburg over the same period.

Dallas, TX

+21.3%

$66,890 (2019) → $81,170 (2025)

Fredericksburg, TX

+4.4%

$68,689 (2024) → $71,721 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Dallas or Fredericksburg?

Dallas has a higher median occupational therapy assistant salary at $83,451/year, compared to Fredericksburg at $73,736/year — a difference of $9,715 (13.18%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and Fredericksburg?

Dallas occupational therapy assistants earn $40.12/hr while Fredericksburg hygienists earn $35.45/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Dallas to Fredericksburg as a occupational therapy assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Dallas and Fredericksburg. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Dallas = $80,950, Fredericksburg = $76,808), job availability (1,220 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Dallas vs Fredericksburg?

Entry-level (10th percentile) occupational therapy assistants earn $55,774 in Dallas and $57,195 in Fredericksburg. The Fredericksburg area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, COTA/LData verified by Samuel Chen, OTR/L

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.81% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

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