Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Grand Prairie, TX: $51.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Grand Prairie, TX runs $51.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $106,624 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Grand Prairie's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $53.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,975 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Grand Prairie, Texas, the occupational therapist hourly pay is projected to be $51.26 in 2026, surpassing the national hourly median of $49.71. This competitive hourly rate makes the profession appealing, especially for part-time workers who may choose to operate on a 3-day workweek. Those in typical settings like hospital rehab units, outpatient hand therapy clinics, and skilled nursing facilities can find lucrative opportunities for per-diem work as well. Entry-level positions start at approximately $34.07 per hour, while the top earners can make as much as $70.08 hourly, reflecting a significant income range that allows for a diverse entry into the field. These figures are drawn from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and project a bright future for occupational therapists in Grand Prairie.
About the Grand Prairie Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.07 | $272.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.07 | $344.55 |
| Median (P50) | $51.26 | $410.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61.33 | $490.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $70.08 | $560.65 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Grand Prairie
Based on $51.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $51.26/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Grand Prairie, TX can expect to earn approximately $106,625 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,514. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Grand Prairie.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Grand Prairie
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,050.48 | $8,885 | $106,625 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,230.29 | $5,331 | $63,975 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $820.19 | $3,554 | $42,650 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Grand Prairie) | $51.26 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $33.15 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist (National Avg) | $43.80 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapists in Grand Prairie, TX earn a median of $106,624 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.12% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 1.10% above the Texas state average of $105,464.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $51.26/hr = $63,975/year (purchasing power: $66,641).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $106,625/year (purchasing power: $111,068).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$42.12/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$51.26/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Grand Prairie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.12/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.78/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Grand Prairie grew 18.1% from $42.12/hr (2019) to $49.74/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.83/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Grand Prairie 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.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapist in Grand Prairie
Exploring the earning potential for a part-time occupational therapist working 24 hours a week, one can expect to take home around $39,999 annually, which contrasts sharply with full-time earnings over $106,624. For those pursuing per diem opportunities, typical billing rates range from $50 to $75 per hour, while CHT-credentialed hand therapists in specialized practices can command between $80 and $110. Travel contracts are another lucrative avenue, offering weekly rates between $1,800 and $2,800. Variations in hourly pay across different employer types in Grand Prairie, such as skilled nursing facilities versus school district contracts, highlight the importance of considering benefits versus hourly wage. Some therapists find that accepting a lower hourly rate with benefits is favorable, especially in a sector where insurance can be costly. Negotiation is key for hourly workers; emphasizing specialized skills and certifications, such as those from the NBCOT or ACOTE, can lead to more favorable pay outcomes in this competitive market.
More salary data for Grand Prairie, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Grand Prairie in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Grand Prairie?
Are occupational therapists in Grand Prairie paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Grand Prairie?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Grand Prairie?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapists in Grand Prairie. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Grand Prairie 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