Healthcare Gulfport, MS Pop. 72,926

Occupational Therapist Salary in Gulfport, Mississippi

The median occupational therapist salary in Gulfport, MS is $74,544 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 1.2% below the Mississippi state average.

City Median
$74,544
vs State Avg
$-932
vs National
$-18,636
Cost of Living
82%

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

Gulfport offers a median occupational therapist salary of $74,544, which is $932 below the Mississippi state average of $75,476. Compared to the national median of $93,180, Gulfport pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Gulfport's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $74,544 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $90,907 in an average-cost city. This makes Gulfport an attractive option for occupational therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for occupational therapists in Gulfport spans from $49,600 at the 10th percentile to $102,008 at the 90th percentile — a $52,408 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $51,200, while senior occupational therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $96,000. Gulfport is a smaller market (pop. 72,926), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Gulfport by Experience

In Gulfport, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $51,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $96,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$51,200
$-12,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$74,400
$-18,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$96,000
$-24,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Gulfport, MS

Percentile Gulfport
10th Percentile $49,600
25th Percentile $61,760
Median (50th) $74,544
75th Percentile $87,840
90th Percentile $102,008

Occupational Therapist Salary in Other Mississippi Cities

Jackson, MS
$77,339
Pop. 153,701
Southaven, MS
$76,408
Pop. 55,026
Biloxi, MS
$75,476
Pop. 46,212
Hattiesburg, MS
$72,680
Pop. 48,728

How to Become a Occupational Therapist in Gulfport

Education

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

Find Occupational Therapist Jobs in Gulfport

Browse open occupational therapist positions in Gulfport, MS:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Gulfport

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in Gulfport, MS? ▼
The median occupational therapist salary in Gulfport, Mississippi is $74,544 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $93,180. Salaries range from $49,600 (10th percentile) to $102,008 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapist make per hour in Gulfport? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $74,544, a occupational therapist in Gulfport earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Gulfport compare to the Mississippi state average for occupational therapist pay? ▼
Gulfport's median occupational therapist salary of $74,544 is 1.2% below the Mississippi state average of $75,476. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Gulfport, MS? ▼
Gulfport has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapist salary of $74,544 in Gulfport has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapist in Gulfport? ▼
Most occupational therapist positions in Gulfport 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.