Healthcare New Orleans, LA Pop. 383,997

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in New Orleans, Louisiana

The median occupational therapy assistant salary in New Orleans, LA is $64,112 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 7.7% above the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$64,112
vs State Avg
+$4,580
vs National
$-1,308
Cost of Living
98%

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

New Orleans offers a median occupational therapy assistant salary of $64,112, which is $4,580 above the Louisiana state average of $59,532. Compared to the national median of $65,420, New Orleans pays below the national benchmark for this role.

New Orleans's cost of living is 98% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for occupational therapy assistants in New Orleans spans from $41,160 at the 10th percentile to $90,160 at the 90th percentile — a $49,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $43,120, while senior occupational therapy assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $86,240. With a population of 383,997, New Orleans is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in New Orleans by Experience

In New Orleans, an entry-level occupational therapy assistant earns around $43,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $86,240 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$43,120
$-880 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$64,680
$-1,320 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$86,240
$-1,760 vs national

Salary Percentiles in New Orleans, LA

Percentile New Orleans
10th Percentile $41,160
25th Percentile $50,960
Median (50th) $64,112
75th Percentile $78,400
90th Percentile $90,160

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

Baton Rouge, LA
$60,186
Pop. 227,470
Lafayette, LA
$57,570
Pop. 121,374
Lake Charles, LA
$56,261
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$55,607
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in New Orleans

Education

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

Find Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in New Orleans

Browse open occupational therapy assistant positions in New Orleans, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in New Orleans

How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make in New Orleans, LA? ▼
The median occupational therapy assistant salary in New Orleans, Louisiana is $64,112 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $65,420. Salaries range from $41,160 (10th percentile) to $90,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make per hour in New Orleans? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $64,112, a occupational therapy assistant in New Orleans earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does New Orleans compare to the Louisiana state average for occupational therapy assistant pay? ▼
New Orleans's median occupational therapy assistant salary of $64,112 is 7.7% above the Louisiana state average of $59,532. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in New Orleans, LA? ▼
New Orleans has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapy assistant salary of $64,112 in New Orleans 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 New Orleans? ▼
Most occupational therapy assistant positions in New Orleans 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.