Healthcare Louisiana (LA) Rank #32 of 50

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Louisiana

The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Louisiana is $59,532 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $65,420.

Median Salary
$59,532
vs National
$-5,888
State Rank
#32 of 50
Cost of Living
91%

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary Overview in Louisiana (2026)

Louisiana ranks #32 out of 50 states for occupational therapy assistant compensation. Occupational Therapy Assistant salaries in Louisiana are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $59,532 per year, occupational therapy assistants in Louisiana earn $5,888 less than the national median of $65,420.

A key advantage of working in Louisiana is its below-average cost of living (91% of the national index). This means the $59,532 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $65,420 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Louisiana is significant: occupational therapy assistants at the 10th percentile earn $38,220, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $83,720 — a $45,500 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Louisiana for this role is New Orleans, where the median reaches $64,112.

Nationally, occupational therapy assistant employment is projected to grow 25% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Louisiana and beyond.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Louisiana by Experience

In Louisiana, an entry-level occupational therapy assistant earns around $40,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,080 per year. The cost of living index in Louisiana is 91% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,040
$-3,960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$60,060
$-5,940 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$80,080
$-7,920 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Louisiana

Percentile LA Salary
10th Percentile $38,220
25th Percentile $47,320
Median (50th) $59,532
75th Percentile $72,800
90th Percentile $83,720

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary by City in Louisiana

The largest employment areas for occupational therapy assistants in Louisiana include New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and Lafayette. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in Louisiana

Education

Most occupational therapy assistant positions require a associate's degree. Louisiana has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Therapeutic ExercisesPatient CareDocumentationCommunicationAdaptabilityCompassion

Job Outlook in Louisiana

Nationally, occupational therapy assistant employment is projected to grow 25% over the next decade (much faster than average). Louisiana's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Louisiana

How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make in Louisiana? ▼
The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Louisiana is $59,532 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $65,420. Salaries range from $38,220 (10th percentile) to $83,720 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make per hour in Louisiana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $59,532, a occupational therapy assistant in Louisiana earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Louisiana a good state for occupational therapy assistants? ▼
Louisiana ranks #32 out of 50 states for occupational therapy assistant pay. The cost of living index is 91% of the national average. Entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn $40,040, while senior professionals earn $80,080.
How does Louisiana compare to other states for occupational therapy assistant salary? ▼
The highest paying state for occupational therapy assistants is Hawaii at $116,448. Louisiana's median of $59,532 ranks #32 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include North Carolina ($60,186) and Ohio ($60,186).
What is the entry-level occupational therapy assistant salary in Louisiana? ▼
An entry-level occupational therapy assistant in Louisiana earns approximately $40,040 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $60,060. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $80,080.
What city in Louisiana pays occupational therapy assistants the most? ▼
New Orleans is the highest paying city in Louisiana for occupational therapy assistants, with a median salary of $64,112. Other cities include Baton Rouge and Shreveport.