Healthcare Jackson, MS Pop. 153,701

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Jackson, Mississippi

The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Jackson, MS is $54,299 per year, which is 17% below the national median and 2.5% above the Mississippi state average.

City Median
$54,299
vs State Avg
+$1,309
vs National
$-11,121
Cost of Living
85%

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

Jackson offers a median occupational therapy assistant salary of $54,299, which is $1,309 above the Mississippi state average of $52,990. Compared to the national median of $65,420, Jackson pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Jackson's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 85% of the national average. This means the $54,299 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $63,881 in an average-cost city. This makes Jackson an attractive option for occupational therapy assistants seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for occupational therapy assistants in Jackson spans from $34,860 at the 10th percentile to $76,360 at the 90th percentile — a $41,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,520, while senior occupational therapy assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $73,040. With a population of 153,701, Jackson is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Jackson by Experience

In Jackson, an entry-level occupational therapy assistant earns around $36,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $73,040 per year. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,520
$-7,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$54,780
$-11,220 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$73,040
$-14,960 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Jackson, MS

Percentile Jackson
10th Percentile $34,860
25th Percentile $43,160
Median (50th) $54,299
75th Percentile $66,400
90th Percentile $76,360

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Other Mississippi Cities

How to Become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in Jackson

Education

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

Find Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in Jackson

Browse open occupational therapy assistant positions in Jackson, MS:

Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Jackson

How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make in Jackson, MS? ▼
The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Jackson, Mississippi is $54,299 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $65,420. Salaries range from $34,860 (10th percentile) to $76,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make per hour in Jackson? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,299, a occupational therapy assistant in Jackson earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Jackson compare to the Mississippi state average for occupational therapy assistant pay? ▼
Jackson's median occupational therapy assistant salary of $54,299 is 2.5% above the Mississippi state average of $52,990. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Jackson, MS? ▼
Jackson has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapy assistant salary of $54,299 in Jackson 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 Jackson? ▼
Most occupational therapy assistant positions in Jackson 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.