Healthcare Hattiesburg, MS Pop. 48,728

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Hattiesburg, Mississippi

The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Hattiesburg, MS is $51,028 per year, which is 22% below the national median and 3.7% below the Mississippi state average.

City Median
$51,028
vs State Avg
$-1,962
vs National
$-14,392
Cost of Living
80%

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

Hattiesburg offers a median occupational therapy assistant salary of $51,028, which is $1,962 below the Mississippi state average of $52,990. Compared to the national median of $65,420, Hattiesburg pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Hattiesburg's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 80% of the national average. This means the $51,028 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $63,785 in an average-cost city. This makes Hattiesburg an attractive option for occupational therapy assistants seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for occupational therapy assistants in Hattiesburg spans from $32,760 at the 10th percentile to $71,760 at the 90th percentile — a $39,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,320, while senior occupational therapy assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $68,640. Hattiesburg is a smaller market (pop. 48,728), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Hattiesburg by Experience

In Hattiesburg, an entry-level occupational therapy assistant earns around $34,320, while experienced professionals earn up to $68,640 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,320
$-9,680 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$51,480
$-14,520 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$68,640
$-19,360 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Hattiesburg, MS

Percentile Hattiesburg
10th Percentile $32,760
25th Percentile $40,560
Median (50th) $51,028
75th Percentile $62,400
90th Percentile $71,760

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
Gulfport, MS
$52,336
Pop. 72,926

How to Become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in Hattiesburg

Education

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

Find Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in Hattiesburg

Browse open occupational therapy assistant positions in Hattiesburg, MS:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Hattiesburg

How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make in Hattiesburg, MS? ▼
The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Hattiesburg, Mississippi is $51,028 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $65,420. Salaries range from $32,760 (10th percentile) to $71,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make per hour in Hattiesburg? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $51,028, a occupational therapy assistant in Hattiesburg earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Hattiesburg compare to the Mississippi state average for occupational therapy assistant pay? ▼
Hattiesburg's median occupational therapy assistant salary of $51,028 is 3.7% below the Mississippi state average of $52,990. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Hattiesburg, MS? ▼
Hattiesburg has a cost of living index of 80% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapy assistant salary of $51,028 in Hattiesburg 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 Hattiesburg? ▼
Most occupational therapy assistant positions in Hattiesburg 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.