Healthcare Baton Rouge, LA Pop. 227,470

Occupational Therapist Salary in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

The median occupational therapist salary in Baton Rouge, LA is $85,726 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 1.1% above the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$85,726
vs State Avg
+$932
vs National
$-7,454
Cost of Living
92%

Occupational Therapist Pay in Baton Rouge: What to Expect (2026)

Baton Rouge offers a median occupational therapist salary of $85,726, which is $932 above the Louisiana state average of $84,794. Compared to the national median of $93,180, Baton Rouge pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Baton Rouge's cost of living is 92% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for occupational therapists in Baton Rouge spans from $57,040 at the 10th percentile to $117,309 at the 90th percentile — a $60,269 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $58,880, while senior occupational therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $110,400. With a population of 227,470, Baton Rouge is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Baton Rouge by Experience

In Baton Rouge, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $58,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $110,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$58,880
$-5,120 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$85,560
$-7,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$110,400
$-9,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Baton Rouge, LA

Percentile Baton Rouge
10th Percentile $57,040
25th Percentile $71,024
Median (50th) $85,726
75th Percentile $101,016
90th Percentile $117,309

Occupational Therapist Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$91,316
Pop. 383,997
Lafayette, LA
$81,998
Pop. 121,374
Lake Charles, LA
$80,135
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$79,203
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Occupational Therapist in Baton Rouge

Education

Most occupational therapist positions require a master's degree. Baton Rouge and the surrounding Louisiana area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Therapeutic ActivitiesPatient AssessmentAdaptive EquipmentDocumentationRehabilitationCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, occupational therapist employment is projected to grow 12% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Baton Rouge may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Occupational Therapist Jobs in Baton Rouge

Browse open occupational therapist positions in Baton Rouge, LA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Baton Rouge

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in Baton Rouge, LA? ▼
The median occupational therapist salary in Baton Rouge, Louisiana is $85,726 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $93,180. Salaries range from $57,040 (10th percentile) to $117,309 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapist make per hour in Baton Rouge? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $85,726, a occupational therapist in Baton Rouge earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Baton Rouge compare to the Louisiana state average for occupational therapist pay? ▼
Baton Rouge's median occupational therapist salary of $85,726 is 1.1% above the Louisiana state average of $84,794. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Baton Rouge, LA? ▼
Baton Rouge has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapist salary of $85,726 in Baton Rouge has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapist in Baton Rouge? ▼
Most occupational therapist positions in Baton Rouge require a master's degree. Key skills include Therapeutic Activities, Patient Assessment, Adaptive Equipment, Documentation. The job market is projected to grow 12% nationally over the next decade.