Healthcare Jackson, MS Pop. 153,701

Occupational Therapist Salary in Jackson, Mississippi

The median occupational therapist salary in Jackson, MS is $77,339 per year, which is 17% below the national median and 2.5% above the Mississippi state average.

City Median
$77,339
vs State Avg
+$1,863
vs National
$-15,841
Cost of Living
85%

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

Jackson offers a median occupational therapist salary of $77,339, which is $1,863 above the Mississippi state average of $75,476. Compared to the national median of $93,180, Jackson pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Jackson's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 85% of the national average. This means the $77,339 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $90,987 in an average-cost city. This makes Jackson an attractive option for occupational therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for occupational therapists in Jackson spans from $51,460 at the 10th percentile to $105,833 at the 90th percentile — a $54,373 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $53,120, while senior occupational therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $99,600. With a population of 153,701, Jackson is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Jackson by Experience

In Jackson, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $53,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $99,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$53,120
$-10,880 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$77,190
$-15,810 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$99,600
$-20,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Jackson, MS

Percentile Jackson
10th Percentile $51,460
25th Percentile $64,076
Median (50th) $77,339
75th Percentile $91,134
90th Percentile $105,833

Occupational Therapist Salary in Other Mississippi Cities

Southaven, MS
$76,408
Pop. 55,026
Biloxi, MS
$75,476
Pop. 46,212
Gulfport, MS
$74,544
Pop. 72,926
Hattiesburg, MS
$72,680
Pop. 48,728

How to Become a Occupational Therapist in Jackson

Education

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

Find Occupational Therapist Jobs in Jackson

Browse open occupational therapist positions in Jackson, MS:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Jackson

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in Jackson, MS? ▼
The median occupational therapist salary in Jackson, Mississippi is $77,339 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $93,180. Salaries range from $51,460 (10th percentile) to $105,833 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapist make per hour in Jackson? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $77,339, a occupational therapist in Jackson earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Jackson compare to the Mississippi state average for occupational therapist pay? ▼
Jackson's median occupational therapist salary of $77,339 is 2.5% above the Mississippi state average of $75,476. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Jackson, MS? ▼
Jackson has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapist salary of $77,339 in Jackson has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapist in Jackson? ▼
Most occupational therapist positions in Jackson 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.