OT Assistant Salary

Dallas vs Haltom City: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)

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

Dallas, TX
$83,451
$40.12/hr
Haltom City, TX
$74,333
$35.74/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDallas, TXHaltom City, TX
Median Salary$83,451$74,333
Hourly Rate$40.12$35.74
Entry Level (P10)$55,774$55,198
25th Percentile$79,863$64,371
75th Percentile$93,979$79,787
Top Earner (P90)$97,875$88,122
Total Employed1,22011
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Dallas ($83,451) and Haltom City ($74,333) occupational therapy assistant salaries.DallasHaltom CityMedian Salary$83,451$74,333Entry Level (P10)$55,774$55,198Top Earner (P90)$97,875$88,122US Median $74,332

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Dallas and Haltom City is $9,118 (12.27%). 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,Haltom City spans $32,924. 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
Haltom City
P10 (Entry)$55,198
P25$64,371
Median$74,333
P75$79,787
P90 (Top)$88,122

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Dallas ($80,950 effective) pays 4.55% more than Haltom City ($77,430 effective).

Dallas
Nominal: $83,451
CoL Index: 103.09
Adjusted: $80,950
Haltom City
Nominal: $74,333
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $77,430

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 Haltom City 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 Haltom City over the same period.

Dallas, TX

+21.3%

$66,890 (2019) → $81,170 (2025)

Haltom City, TX

+4.4%

$69,245 (2024) → $72,301 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Dallas or Haltom City?

Dallas has a higher median occupational therapy assistant salary at $83,451/year, compared to Haltom City at $74,333/year — a difference of $9,118 (12.27%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and Haltom City?

Dallas occupational therapy assistants earn $40.12/hr while Haltom City hygienists earn $35.74/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Dallas and Haltom City. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Dallas = $80,950, Haltom City = $77,430), job availability (1,220 vs 11 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) occupational therapy assistants earn $55,774 in Dallas and $55,198 in Haltom City. The Dallas 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