Healthcare Lake Charles, LA Pop. 80,000

Occupational Therapist Salary in Lake Charles, Louisiana

The median occupational therapist salary in Lake Charles, LA is $80,135 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 5.5% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$80,135
vs State Avg
$-4,659
vs National
$-13,045
Cost of Living
86%

Occupational Therapist Pay in Lake Charles: What to Expect (2026)

Lake Charles offers a median occupational therapist salary of $80,135, which is $4,659 below the Louisiana state average of $84,794. Compared to the national median of $93,180, Lake Charles pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Lake Charles's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $80,135 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $93,180 in an average-cost city. This makes Lake Charles an attractive option for occupational therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for occupational therapists in Lake Charles spans from $53,320 at the 10th percentile to $109,659 at the 90th percentile — a $56,339 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $55,040, while senior occupational therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $103,200. Lake Charles is a smaller market (pop. 80,000), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Lake Charles by Experience

In Lake Charles, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $55,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $103,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$55,040
$-8,960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$79,980
$-13,020 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$103,200
$-16,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lake Charles, LA

Percentile Lake Charles
10th Percentile $53,320
25th Percentile $66,392
Median (50th) $80,135
75th Percentile $94,428
90th Percentile $109,659

Occupational Therapist Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$91,316
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$85,726
Pop. 227,470
Lafayette, LA
$81,998
Pop. 121,374
Shreveport, LA
$79,203
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Occupational Therapist in Lake Charles

Education

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

Find Occupational Therapist Jobs in Lake Charles

Browse open occupational therapist positions in Lake Charles, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Lake Charles

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in Lake Charles, LA? ▼
The median occupational therapist salary in Lake Charles, Louisiana is $80,135 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $93,180. Salaries range from $53,320 (10th percentile) to $109,659 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapist make per hour in Lake Charles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $80,135, a occupational therapist in Lake Charles earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lake Charles compare to the Louisiana state average for occupational therapist pay? ▼
Lake Charles's median occupational therapist salary of $80,135 is 5.5% below the Louisiana state average of $84,794. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lake Charles, LA? ▼
Lake Charles has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapist salary of $80,135 in Lake Charles has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapist in Lake Charles? ▼
Most occupational therapist positions in Lake Charles 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.