Baton Rouge vs Lake Charles: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Baton Rouge, LA and Lake Charles, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Baton Rouge, LA | Lake Charles, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,801 | $80,007▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.15 | $38.47▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $20,120 | $62,930▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $23,472 | $63,506▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $77,066 | $83,256▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $87,183 | $98,132▲ |
| Total Employed | 130▲ | 50 |
Verdict
Lake Charles, LA offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Baton Rouge.
The salary gap between Baton Rouge and Lake Charles is $15,206 (23.47%). Lake Charles's median is +7.63% compared to the US national median of $74,332.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Baton Rouge spans $67,063,Lake Charles spans $35,202. Baton Rouge has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Lake Charles ($93,192 effective) pays 30.55% more than Baton Rouge ($71,382 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Baton Rouge if…
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose Lake Charles if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($80,007/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($98,132)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $93,192)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Baton Rouge grew 6.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 26.9% growth in Lake Charles over the same period.
Baton Rouge, LA
$59,460 (2019) → $63,030 (2025)
Lake Charles, LA
$61,320 (2022) → $77,820 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Baton Rouge, LA
Lake Charles, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Baton Rouge or Lake Charles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Baton Rouge and Lake Charles?
Should I relocate from Baton Rouge to Lake Charles as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Baton Rouge vs Lake Charles?
Written by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as an occupational therapist. Their specialty is working with children with developmental disorders. They have worked in various healthcare settings including schools and rehabilitation facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.81% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapy assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov