Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in University Park, TX: $74,201 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in University Park, TX earns a median $74,201/year (≈ $35.68/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in University Park's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $77,293 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.3% below the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, those pursuing a career as an occupational therapy assistant in University Park, TX, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $74,201, which is slightly below the national median of $74,332. Salaries in the area vary significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $54,342 and experienced assistants earning up to $89,575 annually. These figures account for local economic conditions and are derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional cost variations. For individuals looking to further their career by bridging from a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT), it is important to recognize that the timeline for this transition can significantly enhance lifetime earnings and opportunities in a growing field.
About the University Park Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,342 | $26.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63,386 | $30.47 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $74,201 | $35.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80,918 | $38.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89,575 | $43.07 |
Median Salary Position
0.18% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in University Park
In University Park, TX, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,233 (2026 est.). At $74,201, the local median is 0.18% below the national median of $74,332.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in University Park: You'd be above the median
How University Park Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
University Park median: $74,201/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | University Park Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $78,354 | -5.30% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -0.18% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in University Park, TX earn a median of $74,201 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.18% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 5.30% below the Texas state average of $78,354.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
University Park has a cost of living 4.00% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
University Park, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $74,201 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $77,293 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$61,402
2025 BLS Actual
$72,173
2026 Current Est.
$74,201
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in University Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,402 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,829 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,622 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,137 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,892 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,123 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,173 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,201 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,286 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the University Park metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $61,402 (2019) to $72,173 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $76,286 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,884 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the University Park 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $54,342 – $63,386 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $63,386 – $74,201 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $74,201 – $80,918 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $80,918 – $89,575 |
OTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapy assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Market in University Park
Currently, only five occupational therapy assistants are employed within University Park, indicating a niche job market with the potential for growth. With a cost-of-living index of 96, residents may find their purchasing power slightly enhanced, allowing for more disposable income despite the competitive pay. In terms of employer compensation, skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehab settings tend to offer the most substantial paychecks. The disparity between compensation levels can be attributed to several factors, including workplace setting, productivity demands, and reimbursement rates, especially following the recent 15% Medicare cut impacting OTA-provided services. To maximize earnings, aspiring occupational therapy assistants should consider opportunities in skilled nursing facilities and expand their skill sets to include weekend or PRN roles that often come with higher premiums.
More salary data for University Park, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in University Park, TX in 2026?
Is University Park, TX a good place to work as a occupational therapy assistant?
Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in University Park?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapy assistant salary in University Park?
How much does a occupational therapy assistant make per hour in University Park?
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $72,173 for occupational therapy assistantsin the University Park metropolitan area. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for University Park 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