Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Huntsville, TX: $49.54 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Huntsville, TX runs $49.54 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $103,048 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Huntsville's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $51.61 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,827 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Huntsville, TX, the projected occupational therapist hourly pay for 2026 is $49.54, which is slightly below the national median hourly rate of $49.71. This rate provides a solid foundation for both part-time and per-diem occupational therapists, especially in settings such as hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. An OT working three days a week can still earn a respectable wage, with entry-level positions starting around $35.19 per hour and top earners reaching as high as $65.02 per hour. It’s essential to recognize that these hourly rates are estimated from the broader annual salary data, translating to diverse earning potentials within the community.
About the Huntsville 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) | $35.19 | $281.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.03 | $320.23 |
| Median (P50) | $49.54 | $396.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.28 | $442.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65.02 | $520.16 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Huntsville
Based on $49.54/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.54/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Huntsville, TX can expect to earn approximately $103,045 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,449. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Huntsville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Huntsville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,981.64 | $8,587 | $103,045 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,188.98 | $5,152 | $61,827 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $792.66 | $3,435 | $41,218 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Huntsville) | $49.54 |
| 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 Huntsville, TX earn a median of $103,048 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.34% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 2.30% below the Texas state average of $105,474.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.54/hr = $61,827/year (purchasing power: $64,403).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $103,045/year (purchasing power: $107,339).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$40.70/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.54/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Huntsville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.70/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $41.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.54/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Huntsville grew 18.1% from $40.70/hr (2019) to $48.07/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.06/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 Huntsville 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 Huntsville
Considering part-time opportunities, a 24-hour work week for an occupational therapist in Huntsville could yield an annual income substantially lower than a full-time position. Per diem occupational therapist pay in Huntsville typically ranges from $50 to $75 per hour, whereas Certified Hand Therapists (CHTs) can command between $80 and $110, particularly in cash-pay practices, making these specializations financially appealing. Hourly rates also vary based on employer types, with skilled nursing facilities and early intervention programs often offering different pay scales than outpatient therapy clinics. Many occupational therapists face the choice between higher hourly rates and adequate health benefits. For those working on an hourly basis, effective negotiation could make a significant difference. Advocating for higher rates while considering employment benefits can guide therapists in securing a balanced compensation package that supports their professional and personal needs.
More salary data for Huntsville, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Huntsville in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Huntsville?
Are occupational therapists in Huntsville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Huntsville?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Huntsville?
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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 Huntsville. 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 Huntsville 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