Healthcare New Orleans, LA Pop. 383,997

Occupational Therapist Salary in New Orleans, Louisiana

The median occupational therapist salary in New Orleans, LA is $91,316 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 7.7% above the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$91,316
vs State Avg
+$6,522
vs National
$-1,864
Cost of Living
98%

Occupational Therapist Pay in New Orleans: What to Expect (2026)

New Orleans offers a median occupational therapist salary of $91,316, which is $6,522 above the Louisiana state average of $84,794. Compared to the national median of $93,180, New Orleans pays below the national benchmark for this role.

New Orleans's cost of living is 98% 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 New Orleans spans from $60,760 at the 10th percentile to $124,960 at the 90th percentile — a $64,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $62,720, while senior occupational therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $117,600. With a population of 383,997, New Orleans is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Occupational Therapist Salary in New Orleans by Experience

In New Orleans, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $62,720, while experienced professionals earn up to $117,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$62,720
$-1,280 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$91,140
$-1,860 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$117,600
$-2,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in New Orleans, LA

Percentile New Orleans
10th Percentile $60,760
25th Percentile $75,656
Median (50th) $91,316
75th Percentile $107,604
90th Percentile $124,960

Occupational Therapist Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

Baton Rouge, LA
$85,726
Pop. 227,470
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 New Orleans

Education

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

Find Occupational Therapist Jobs in New Orleans

Browse open occupational therapist positions in New Orleans, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in New Orleans

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in New Orleans, LA? ▼
The median occupational therapist salary in New Orleans, Louisiana is $91,316 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $93,180. Salaries range from $60,760 (10th percentile) to $124,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapist make per hour in New Orleans? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $91,316, a occupational therapist in New Orleans earns approximately $44 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does New Orleans compare to the Louisiana state average for occupational therapist pay? ▼
New Orleans's median occupational therapist salary of $91,316 is 7.7% above the Louisiana state average of $84,794. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in New Orleans, LA? ▼
New Orleans has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapist salary of $91,316 in New Orleans has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapist in New Orleans? ▼
Most occupational therapist positions in New Orleans 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.