Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Weslaco, TX: $76,150 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Weslaco, TX earns a median $76,150/year (≈ $36.61/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Weslaco's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $79,323 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% below the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median annual salary for occupational therapy assistants in Weslaco, TX, is projected to be $76,150, surpassing the national median of $74,332 by 2.45%. Those entering the field should be aware that salaries range from $53,352 at the 10th percentile to $93,857 at the 90th percentile. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost of living. With the potential to transition from Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT), professionals in Weslaco can significantly enhance their lifetime earnings, reflecting the growing demand for highly skilled practitioners in a competitive job market.
About the Weslaco Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,352 | $25.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $68,165 | $32.78 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $76,150 | $36.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83,976 | $40.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93,857 | $45.12 |
Median Salary Position
2.45% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Weslaco
In Weslaco, TX, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $40,505 (2026 est.). At $76,150, the local median is 2.45% above the national median of $74,332.
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How Weslaco Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Weslaco median: $76,150/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Weslaco Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $78,344 | -2.80% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | +2.45% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Weslaco, TX earn a median of $76,150 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.45% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 2.80% below the Texas state average of $78,344.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Weslaco 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.
Weslaco, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $76,150 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $79,323 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$63,015
2025 BLS Actual
$74,069
2026 Current Est.
$76,150
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Weslaco (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,015 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,480 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,240 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,822 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,650 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,938 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,069 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,150 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,290 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Weslaco metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $63,015 (2019) to $74,069 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $78,290 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,275 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Weslaco 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) | $53,352 – $68,165 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $68,165 – $76,150 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $76,150 – $83,976 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $83,976 – $93,857 |
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 Weslaco
Currently, there are only nine occupational therapy assistants employed in Weslaco, indicating a relatively small job market. However, the cost of living index sits at 96, suggesting that the purchasing power in Weslaco is slightly below the national average. This context is essential when considering potential employers, as skilled nursing facilities typically offer higher pay than school districts or outpatient clinics. The disparity between lower and higher salaries often stems from factors like productivity expectations and varying reimbursement rates due to the recent 15% Medicare cut, which has affected fiscal stability in outpatient and skilled settings. To maximize income, COTAs might consider diversifying their skill set and pursuing roles in higher-paying environments while staying informed of local market trends.
More salary data for Weslaco, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Weslaco, TX in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Weslaco?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapy assistant salary in Weslaco?
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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
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 $74,069 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Weslaco 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 Weslaco 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