Occupational Therapist Salary in Richardson, TX: $106,820 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Richardson, TX earns a median $106,820/year (≈ $51.35/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Richardson's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $111,271 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% above the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in Richardson, Texas, are seeing a competitive median annual salary of $106,820 in 2026, which is slightly above the national median of $103,400. The local salary range extends from $71,419 at the 10th percentile to $139,521 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from state-level BLS data and adjusted for regional cost of living, reflect the diverse work settings available, including skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and schools. Choosing between year-round employment and school-year positions can significantly influence earning potential and job satisfaction. The current job market is well-structured for occupational therapy professionals, offering several avenues for specialization and advancement based on individual career goals.
About the Richardson Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,419 | $34.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $89,952 | $43.24 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $106,820 | $51.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $124,018 | $59.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $139,521 | $67.08 |
Median Salary Position
3.31% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Richardson
In Richardson, TX, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $68,102 (2026 est.). At $106,820, the local median is 3.31% above the national median of $103,400.
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At 40 hours/week in Richardson: You'd be above the median
How Richardson Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Richardson median: $106,820/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Richardson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $105,553 | +1.20% more |
| National Average | $103,400 | +3.31% more |
Occupational Therapists in Richardson, TX earn a median of $106,820 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.31% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 1.20% above the Texas state average of $105,553.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Richardson has a cost of living 4.00% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Richardson, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $106,820 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $111,271 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$87,759
2025 BLS Actual
$103,648
2026 Current Est.
$106,820
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Richardson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $87,759 | Actual |
| 2020 | $89,133 | Actual |
| 2021 | $88,400 | Actual |
| 2022 | $96,262 | Actual |
| 2023 | $99,557 | Actual |
| 2024 | $95,245 | Actual |
| 2025 | $103,648 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $106,820 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $110,088 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Richardson metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $87,759 (2019) to $103,648 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $110,088 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,329 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Richardson 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $71,419 – $89,952 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $89,952 – $106,820 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $106,820 – $124,018 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $124,018 – $139,521 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Richardson
In terms of local job dynamics, there are currently 24 occupational therapists employed in Richardson, a figure suggesting a stable but selective market. The cost of living index in Richardson stands at 96, which means that the cost of living is below the national average, positively impacting take-home pay and purchasing power for therapists. Among the employers in Richardson, skilled nursing facilities typically offer the highest compensation packages, followed closely by hospital inpatient rehabilitation services. Factors driving salary disparities include the setting of practice, with hospitals generally providing better pay than schools or SNFs, as well as opportunities for specialty certifications such as the CHT credential. To maximize their earnings, occupational therapists should consider targeting roles in high-demand settings like outpatient clinics and continuing education to bolster their qualifications, particularly in light of new accreditation advancements such as the transition to entry-level OTD programs.
More salary data for Richardson, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Richardson, TX in 2026?
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $103,648 for occupational therapistsin the Richardson metropolitan area. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Richardson 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