Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in McKinney, TX: $50.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in McKinney, TX runs $50.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $104,782 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against McKinney's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $52.47 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,869 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in McKinney, Texas, can expect a median hourly pay of $50.38, which slightly exceeds the national hourly median of $49.71. This competitive wage allows for a lucrative earning potential, especially for part-time or per-diem professionals. Working three days a week, an occupational therapist could make roughly $39,054 annually based on a 24-hour workweek, assuming consistent scheduling. Entry-level positions may start at approximately $35.92 per hour, while established professionals can earn as much as $67.23 per hour in various environments, such as hospital rehabilitation units and outpatient clinics. These figures are derived from annual salary estimates, indicating solid growth in the field's compensation structure.
About the McKinney 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) | $35.92 | $287.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.18 | $321.46 |
| Median (P50) | $50.38 | $403.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59.18 | $473.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67.23 | $537.81 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in McKinney
Based on $50.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.38/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in McKinney, TX can expect to earn approximately $104,782 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,451. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in McKinney.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in McKinney
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,015.03 | $8,732 | $104,782 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,209.02 | $5,239 | $62,869 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $806.01 | $3,493 | $41,913 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (McKinney) | $50.38 |
| 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 McKinney, TX earn a median of $104,782 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.34% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 0.70% below the Texas state average of $105,521.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.38/hr = $62,869/year (purchasing power: $65,488).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $104,782/year (purchasing power: $109,147).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$41.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.88/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in McKinney (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.03/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $41.69/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.95/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.92/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.88/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in McKinney grew 18.1% from $41.39/hr (2019) to $48.88/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.92/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 McKinney 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 McKinney
Looking at the financial dynamics for occupational therapists in McKinney reveals varied earning potential depending on employment settings. Part-time therapists, working 24 hours weekly, would receive an annual income significantly lower than their full-time counterparts but still have the flexibility to engage in multiple roles. For per diem occupational therapists, pay rates typically range from $50 to $75 per hour, with those specialized as Certified Hand Therapists (CHTs) commanding even higher rates of $80-$110 hourly in cash-pay settings. Moreover, travel OT contracts can oscillate between $1,800 and $2,800 weekly, depending on demand. Rates will also differ across employer types, such as skilled nursing facilities and school district contracts, with many professionals weighing the benefits of higher hourly wages against the security of health insurance in full-time positions. In negotiating salary, familiarizing oneself with the local market rates can empower occupational therapists to advocate effectively for their worth in McKinney.
More salary data for McKinney, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in McKinney in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in McKinney?
Are occupational therapists in McKinney paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in McKinney?
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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 McKinney. 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 McKinney 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