Entry-Level Occupational Therapist Salary in Cleburne, TX: $77,522 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapists entering the Cleburne, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $77,522 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1122, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cleburne's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,752 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($104,889) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Cleburne, Texas, presents a promising opportunity for new graduates entering the field of occupational therapy. In 2026, the entry-level occupational therapist salary in Cleburne is projected to begin at $77,522, which is significantly lower than the city's median salary of $104,889. However, this starting salary marks a reasonable first step in a career where growth is anticipated. Over the first few years, new graduates can aim to progress towards the 25th percentile, which stands at $87,057, and ultimately work their way up to the median. With a projected annual growth rate of 3.06%, the role of an occupational therapist in Cleburne is set to offer advancements that should entice new professionals entering this rewarding healthcare landscape.
About the Cleburne Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Cleburne
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 Cleburne
Entry-level occupational therapists in Cleburne, TX typically start between $77,522 and $87,057 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $57,271 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $104,889 — 1.44% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Texas of $100,000 represents just 129.00% of the starting occupational therapist pay ($77,522/year) in Cleburne. 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 Master's and Doctoral occupational therapy programs. Tuition varies between public in-state and private institution programs; MOT programs typically run 2-3 years post-bachelor's.
OT, OTR Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Cleburne
- 1Research the Cleburne market: entry-level occupational therapist pay ranges from $77,522 to $87,057, 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 Cleburne, 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 Cleburne for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Cleburne's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Occupational Therapist Compensation Range
The occupational therapist wage spread in Cleburne is $57,271 ( 73.88%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $77,522, experienced hygienists can earn up to $134,793.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$59,597
2025 BLS Actual
$75,220
2026 Current Est.
$77,522
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Cleburne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,597 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,153 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,668 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,438 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,421 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,006 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,220 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,522 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,894 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Cleburne, TX grew 26.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $59,597 in 2019 to $75,220 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $79,894. New graduates entering the Cleburne job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cleburne 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 3.06% 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 Cleburne
Within Cleburne, several key employers actively recruit newly licensed occupational therapists, providing essential pathways for career development. Hospital systems are notable for their residency programs, which not only lead to specialized certifications but also enhance starting pay. School districts offer attractive contracts, often providing summer months off, making them appealing for recent graduates. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are also significant players, aggressively hiring but typically expecting higher productivity levels. To boost initial salaries, entry-level practitioners should ensure they possess the necessary credentials, including a Master's or Doctoral degree from an ACOTE-accredited program and have passed the NBCOT national exam. Given the upcoming requirement for the entry-level OTD degree by 2027, early professionals should remain attentive to continuing education opportunities and consider obtaining specialty certifications, such as the CHT credential, which can command higher remuneration in the Texas market. Realistically, new graduates can expect salary growth through strategic career development and skill enhancement in their first three years in the field.
More salary data for Cleburne, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapists in Cleburne in 2026?
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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.
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 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Cleburne. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cleburne 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 3.06%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapists (SOC 29-1122).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov