Healthcare Gulfport, MS Pop. 72,926

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Gulfport, Mississippi

The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Gulfport, MS is $52,336 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 1.2% below the Mississippi state average.

City Median
$52,336
vs State Avg
$-654
vs National
$-13,084
Cost of Living
82%

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

Gulfport offers a median occupational therapy assistant salary of $52,336, which is $654 below the Mississippi state average of $52,990. Compared to the national median of $65,420, Gulfport pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Gulfport's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $52,336 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $63,824 in an average-cost city. This makes Gulfport an attractive option for occupational therapy assistants seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for occupational therapy assistants in Gulfport spans from $33,600 at the 10th percentile to $73,600 at the 90th percentile — a $40,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $35,200, while senior occupational therapy assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $70,400. Gulfport is a smaller market (pop. 72,926), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Gulfport by Experience

In Gulfport, an entry-level occupational therapy assistant earns around $35,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $70,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,200
$-8,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$52,800
$-13,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$70,400
$-17,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Gulfport, MS

Percentile Gulfport
10th Percentile $33,600
25th Percentile $41,600
Median (50th) $52,336
75th Percentile $64,000
90th Percentile $73,600

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Other Mississippi Cities

Jackson, MS
$54,299
Pop. 153,701
Southaven, MS
$53,644
Pop. 55,026
Biloxi, MS
$52,990
Pop. 46,212
Hattiesburg, MS
$51,028
Pop. 48,728

How to Become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in Gulfport

Education

Most occupational therapy assistant positions require a associate's degree. Gulfport and the surrounding Mississippi 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 Gulfport may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in Gulfport

Browse open occupational therapy assistant positions in Gulfport, MS:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Gulfport

How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make in Gulfport, MS? ▼
The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Gulfport, Mississippi is $52,336 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $65,420. Salaries range from $33,600 (10th percentile) to $73,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make per hour in Gulfport? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $52,336, a occupational therapy assistant in Gulfport earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Gulfport compare to the Mississippi state average for occupational therapy assistant pay? ▼
Gulfport's median occupational therapy assistant salary of $52,336 is 1.2% below the Mississippi state average of $52,990. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Gulfport, MS? ▼
Gulfport has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapy assistant salary of $52,336 in Gulfport 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 Gulfport? ▼
Most occupational therapy assistant positions in Gulfport 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.