Healthcare Lake Charles, LA Pop. 80,000

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Lake Charles, Louisiana

The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Lake Charles, LA is $56,261 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 5.5% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$56,261
vs State Avg
$-3,271
vs National
$-9,159
Cost of Living
86%

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

Lake Charles offers a median occupational therapy assistant salary of $56,261, which is $3,271 below the Louisiana state average of $59,532. Compared to the national median of $65,420, Lake Charles pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Lake Charles's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $56,261 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $65,420 in an average-cost city. This makes Lake Charles an attractive option for occupational therapy assistants seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for occupational therapy assistants in Lake Charles spans from $36,120 at the 10th percentile to $79,120 at the 90th percentile — a $43,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $37,840, while senior occupational therapy assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $75,680. Lake Charles is a smaller market (pop. 80,000), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Lake Charles by Experience

In Lake Charles, an entry-level occupational therapy assistant earns around $37,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $75,680 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$37,840
$-6,160 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$56,760
$-9,240 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$75,680
$-12,320 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lake Charles, LA

Percentile Lake Charles
10th Percentile $36,120
25th Percentile $44,720
Median (50th) $56,261
75th Percentile $68,800
90th Percentile $79,120

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$64,112
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$60,186
Pop. 227,470
Lafayette, LA
$57,570
Pop. 121,374
Shreveport, LA
$55,607
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in Lake Charles

Education

Most occupational therapy assistant positions require a associate's degree. Lake Charles 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 Lake Charles may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in Lake Charles

Browse open occupational therapy assistant positions in Lake Charles, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Lake Charles

How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make in Lake Charles, LA? ▼
The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Lake Charles, Louisiana is $56,261 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $65,420. Salaries range from $36,120 (10th percentile) to $79,120 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make per hour in Lake Charles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,261, a occupational therapy assistant in Lake Charles earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lake Charles compare to the Louisiana state average for occupational therapy assistant pay? ▼
Lake Charles's median occupational therapy assistant salary of $56,261 is 5.5% below the Louisiana state average of $59,532. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lake Charles, LA? ▼
Lake Charles has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapy assistant salary of $56,261 in Lake Charles 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 Lake Charles? ▼
Most occupational therapy assistant positions in Lake Charles 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.