Healthcare Lafayette, LA Pop. 121,374

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Lafayette, Louisiana

The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Lafayette, LA is $57,570 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 3.3% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$57,570
vs State Avg
$-1,962
vs National
$-7,850
Cost of Living
88%

Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay in Lafayette: What to Expect (2026)

Lafayette offers a median occupational therapy assistant salary of $57,570, which is $1,962 below the Louisiana state average of $59,532. Compared to the national median of $65,420, Lafayette pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Lafayette's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $57,570 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $65,420 in an average-cost city. This makes Lafayette an attractive option for occupational therapy assistants seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for occupational therapy assistants in Lafayette spans from $36,960 at the 10th percentile to $80,960 at the 90th percentile — a $44,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,720, while senior occupational therapy assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $77,440. With a population of 121,374, Lafayette is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Lafayette by Experience

In Lafayette, an entry-level occupational therapy assistant earns around $38,720, while experienced professionals earn up to $77,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,720
$-5,280 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$58,080
$-7,920 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$77,440
$-10,560 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lafayette, LA

Percentile Lafayette
10th Percentile $36,960
25th Percentile $45,760
Median (50th) $57,570
75th Percentile $70,400
90th Percentile $80,960

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$64,112
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$60,186
Pop. 227,470
Lake Charles, LA
$56,261
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$55,607
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in Lafayette

Education

Most occupational therapy assistant positions require a associate's degree. Lafayette and the surrounding Louisiana area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Therapeutic ExercisesPatient CareDocumentationCommunicationAdaptabilityCompassion

Job Outlook

Nationally, occupational therapy assistant employment is projected to grow 25% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Lafayette may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in Lafayette

Browse open occupational therapy assistant positions in Lafayette, LA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Lafayette

How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make in Lafayette, LA? ▼
The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Lafayette, Louisiana is $57,570 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $65,420. Salaries range from $36,960 (10th percentile) to $80,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make per hour in Lafayette? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $57,570, a occupational therapy assistant in Lafayette earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lafayette compare to the Louisiana state average for occupational therapy assistant pay? ▼
Lafayette's median occupational therapy assistant salary of $57,570 is 3.3% below the Louisiana state average of $59,532. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lafayette, LA? ▼
Lafayette has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapy assistant salary of $57,570 in Lafayette has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapy assistant in Lafayette? ▼
Most occupational therapy assistant positions in Lafayette require a associate's degree. Key skills include Therapeutic Exercises, Patient Care, Documentation, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 25% nationally over the next decade.