Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Odessa, TX: $54.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Odessa, TX runs $54.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $112,562 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Odessa's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.9, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $57.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $67,538 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Odessa, Texas, occupational therapists earn a median hourly rate of $54.12, which is notably higher than the national median of $49.71. This competitive rate significantly benefits those seeking part-time or per-diem positions within various healthcare settings, such as hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. With an hourly range from $41.96 for entry-level positions to $65.54 for experienced professionals, occupational therapists in Odessa have ample opportunities to maximize their earnings. The data presented is based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, which highlights the strong financial prospects for individuals in this profession.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41.96 | $335.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.85 | $422.79 |
| Median (P50) | $54.12 | $432.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60.27 | $482.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65.54 | $524.29 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Odessa
Based on $54.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $54.12/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Odessa, TX can expect to earn approximately $112,563 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $64,940. With a cost-of-living index of 93.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Odessa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Odessa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,164.67 | $9,380 | $112,563 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,298.80 | $5,628 | $67,538 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $865.87 | $3,752 | $45,025 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Odessa) | $54.12 |
| 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 Odessa, TX earn a median of $112,562 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.86% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 6.70% above the Texas state average of $105,494.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $54.12/hr = $67,538/year (purchasing power: $71,928).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $112,563/year (purchasing power: $119,880).
CoL index: 93.896 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$44.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$52.51/hr
2026 Current Est.
$54.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Odessa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.46/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $45.16/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $44.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.77/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $50.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $49.33/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $52.51/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Odessa grew 18.1% from $44.46/hr (2019) to $52.51/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $55.77/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 Odessa 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 Odessa
Evaluating the earning potential for part-time occupational therapists—working three days a week for about 24 hours—yields an annual income that can still be competitive when compared to full-time workers. Typically, per diem occupational therapist pay in Odessa varies, with many therapists billing between $50 and $75 per hour, while specialized Certified Hand Therapists (CHTs) command even higher rates in cash-pay practices, often hitting $80-$110 per hour. Travel occupational therapy contracts can offer significant income, ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 per week. Hourly pay can also fluctuate based on the type of employer, with positions in skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies typically offering different remuneration packages compared to those in school districts or outpatient clinics. Occupational therapists often find themselves weighing the benefits of lower hourly rates that include health insurance against the allure of higher pay without benefits. For those negotiating their hourly terms, a clear understanding of the job market and the varying pay scales across different types of facilities in Odessa can provide a crucial advantage.
More salary data for Odessa, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Odessa in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Odessa?
Are occupational therapists in Odessa paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Odessa?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Odessa?
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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 Odessa. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 3-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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