Occupational Therapist Pay

Dallas vs Kingsville: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare occupational therapist salaries between Dallas, TX and Kingsville, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Dallas, TX
$109,357
$52.57/hr
Kingsville, TX
$101,066
$48.59/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDallas, TXKingsville, TX
Median Salary$109,357$101,066
Hourly Rate$52.57$48.59
Entry Level (P10)$79,315$76,910
25th Percentile$86,859$85,440
75th Percentile$130,721$116,442
Top Earner (P90)$150,241$128,844
Total Employed3,4505
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Dallas ($109,357) and Kingsville ($101,066) occupational therapist salaries.DallasKingsvilleMedian Salary$109,357$101,066Entry Level (P10)$79,315$76,910Top Earner (P90)$150,241$128,844US Median $103,400

Verdict

Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Kingsville.

The salary gap between Dallas and Kingsville is $8,291 (8.20%). Dallas's median is +5.76% compared to the US national median of $103,400.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dallas spans $70,926,Kingsville spans $51,934. Dallas has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Dallas
P10 (Entry)$79,315
P25$86,859
Median$109,357
P75$130,721
P90 (Top)$150,241
Kingsville
P10 (Entry)$76,910
P25$85,440
Median$101,066
P75$116,442
P90 (Top)$128,844

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Dallas ($106,079 effective) pays 0.76% more than Kingsville ($105,277 effective).

Dallas
Nominal: $109,357
CoL Index: 103.09
Adjusted: $106,079
Kingsville
Nominal: $101,066
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $105,277

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 ($109,357/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($150,241)
  • Larger job market (3,450 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,079)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Kingsville if…

  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Dallas grew 24.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.8% growth in Kingsville over the same period.

Dallas, TX

+24.4%

$85,280 (2019) → $106,110 (2025)

Kingsville, TX

+8.8%

$90,115 (2024) → $98,065 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays occupational therapists more: Dallas or Kingsville?

Dallas has a higher median occupational therapist salary at $109,357/year, compared to Kingsville at $101,066/year — a difference of $8,291 (8.20%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and Kingsville?

Dallas occupational therapists earn $52.57/hr while Kingsville hygienists earn $48.59/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Dallas to Kingsville as a occupational therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Dallas and Kingsville. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Dallas = $106,079, Kingsville = $105,277), job availability (3,450 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Dallas vs Kingsville?

Entry-level (10th percentile) occupational therapists earn $79,315 in Dallas and $76,910 in Kingsville. The Dallas area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JM

Written by Jordan Miller, OTR/L

Career Analyst

Jordan has 10 years of experience in occupational therapy. They specialize in pediatrics and work in a rehabilitation clinic.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Chen, OTR/LData verified by Luis Garcia, OTR/L

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% 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 Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov