Entry-Level Occupational Therapist Salary in Kingsville, TX: $76,910 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapists entering the Kingsville, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $76,910 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1122, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kingsville's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,115 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($101,066) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graduates entering the occupational therapy field in Kingsville, Texas, can expect a starting salary of around $76,910 in 2026. This figure, while reflective of entry-level roles, is notably lower than the city median of $101,066 for all occupational therapists. New professionals will likely experience gradual salary growth in their first few years, moving from the entry-level range through the 25th percentile at $85,440 and approaching the median pay as they gain experience. Given the projected growth rate of 3.06% annually, Kingsville presents a favorable job market for recent graduates, offering opportunities for skill enhancement and career advancement.
About the Kingsville Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kingsville
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 Kingsville
Entry-level occupational therapists in Kingsville, TX typically start between $76,910 and $85,440 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $51,934 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $101,066 — 2.26% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Texas of $100,000 represents just 130.02% of the starting occupational therapist pay ($76,910/year) in Kingsville. 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 Kingsville
- 1Research the Kingsville market: entry-level occupational therapist pay ranges from $76,910 to $85,440, 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 Kingsville, 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 Kingsville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kingsville'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 Kingsville is $51,934 ( 67.53%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $76,910, experienced hygienists can earn up to $128,844.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$59,126
2025 BLS Actual
$74,626
2026 Current Est.
$76,910
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Kingsville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,126 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,678 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,165 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,913 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,881 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,574 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,626 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,910 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,263 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Kingsville, TX grew 26.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $59,126 in 2019 to $74,626 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $79,263. New graduates entering the Kingsville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kingsville 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 Kingsville
In Kingsville, a variety of employers are keen on hiring new grads in occupational therapy, with local hospital systems offering residency programs that lead to specialty certifications. School districts may hire newly minted therapists as well, often providing summer-off contracts that help ease the transition into the profession. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) actively recruit entry-level therapists but often with high productivity demands. To enhance starting pay in Texas, candidates must obtain a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) or Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD) from an ACOTE-accredited institution, pass the NBCOT exam, and secure state licensure. While board certifications, particularly the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential, can lead to higher starting salaries, gaining experience in the first three years typically leads to substantial salary progression, aligning more closely with median figures as therapists refine their expertise and pursue further certifications.
More salary data for Kingsville, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapists in Kingsville in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapist salaries grow in Kingsville?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Kingsville?
What do new occupational therapists make right out of school in Kingsville?
How do I become a occupational therapist in Texas?
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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 Kingsville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kingsville 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