Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Port Arthur, TX: $61,900 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Port Arthur, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $61,900 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Port Arthur's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $64,479 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($86,878) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates looking to begin their careers as occupational therapy assistants in Port Arthur, Texas, can expect an entry-level salary starting around $61,900 in 2026. While this figure is noticeably lower than the city's median annual income of $86,878, it sets a foundational benchmark for those entering the field. As professionals gain experience, pay tends to increase significantly, with projections indicating that salaries could rise to $73,523 within the first few years, paving the way for a path toward the median over time. Given the area's growing healthcare sector, Port Arthur presents a solid opportunity for new graduates, positioning them to build a rewarding career in occupational therapy assistance.
About the Port Arthur Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Port Arthur
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Port Arthur
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Port Arthur, TX typically start between $61,900 and $73,523 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $43,598 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $86,878 — 16.88% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Texas of $22,000 represents just 35.54% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($61,900/year) in Port Arthur. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACOTE-accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant associate degree programs. Tuition varies between community college and private technical school settings.
OTA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Port Arthur
- 1Research the Port Arthur market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $61,900 to $73,523, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the occupational therapy field — employers in TX often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Port Arthur, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Port Arthur for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Port Arthur's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Compensation Range
The occupational therapy assistant wage spread in Port Arthur is $43,598 ( 70.43%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $61,900, experienced hygienists can earn up to $105,498.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$48,795
2025 BLS Actual
$60,208
2026 Current Est.
$61,900
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
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 | $48,795 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,491 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,736 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,057 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,911 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,076 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,208 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,900 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,639 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Port Arthur, TX grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $48,795 in 2019 to $60,208 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $63,639. New graduates entering the Port Arthur job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
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.
Starting Your occupational therapy Career in Port Arthur
Various employers in Port Arthur actively recruit newly minted COTAs, particularly skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), which typically hire the majority of recent graduates. Additionally, school districts can be appealing for those seeking a more balanced work-life schedule, especially with summers off. While outpatient clinics often prefer experienced candidates, they do provide training opportunities for new graduates, particularly in specialized settings like pediatrics or hand therapy. To maximize starting pay, aspiring COTAs should hold an associate's degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, pass the NBCOT national exam to obtain the COTA designation, and secure the necessary state licensure. Given the recent 15% Medicare cut affecting OTA-provided services, entry-level salaries may experience compression in certain settings, yet new professionals can anticipate steady salary growth as they establish themselves in the market, thus reinforcing the importance of strategic career planning during the first few years in this role.
More salary data for Port Arthur, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapy assistants in Port Arthur in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapy assistant salaries grow in Port Arthur?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Port Arthur?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new occupational therapy graduates. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Port Arthur. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
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