Healthcare Lafayette, LA Pop. 121,374

Occupational Therapist Salary in Lafayette, Louisiana

The median occupational therapist salary in Lafayette, LA is $81,998 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 3.3% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$81,998
vs State Avg
$-2,796
vs National
$-11,182
Cost of Living
88%

Occupational Therapist Pay in Lafayette: What to Expect (2026)

Lafayette offers a median occupational therapist salary of $81,998, which is $2,796 below the Louisiana state average of $84,794. Compared to the national median of $93,180, Lafayette pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Lafayette's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $81,998 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $93,180 in an average-cost city. This makes Lafayette an attractive option for occupational therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for occupational therapists in Lafayette spans from $54,560 at the 10th percentile to $112,209 at the 90th percentile — a $57,649 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $56,320, while senior occupational therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $105,600. With a population of 121,374, Lafayette is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Lafayette by Experience

In Lafayette, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $56,320, while experienced professionals earn up to $105,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$56,320
$-7,680 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$81,840
$-11,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$105,600
$-14,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lafayette, LA

Percentile Lafayette
10th Percentile $54,560
25th Percentile $67,936
Median (50th) $81,998
75th Percentile $96,624
90th Percentile $112,209

Occupational Therapist Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$91,316
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$85,726
Pop. 227,470
Lake Charles, LA
$80,135
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$79,203
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Occupational Therapist in Lafayette

Education

Most occupational therapist positions require a master's degree. Lafayette 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 Lafayette may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Occupational Therapist Jobs in Lafayette

Browse open occupational therapist positions in Lafayette, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Lafayette

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in Lafayette, LA? ▼
The median occupational therapist salary in Lafayette, Louisiana is $81,998 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $93,180. Salaries range from $54,560 (10th percentile) to $112,209 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapist make per hour in Lafayette? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $81,998, a occupational therapist in Lafayette earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lafayette compare to the Louisiana state average for occupational therapist pay? ▼
Lafayette's median occupational therapist salary of $81,998 is 3.3% below the Louisiana state average of $84,794. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lafayette, LA? ▼
Lafayette has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapist salary of $81,998 in Lafayette has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapist in Lafayette? ▼
Most occupational therapist positions in Lafayette 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.