Hammond vs New Orleans: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Hammond, LA and New Orleans, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hammond, LA | New Orleans, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,616 | $67,700▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.59 | $32.55▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,068 | $60,884▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $56,196 | $63,362▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $68,812 | $81,508▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $75,658 | $92,724▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 130▲ |
Verdict
New Orleans, LA offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hammond.
The salary gap between Hammond and New Orleans is $4,084 (6.42%). New Orleans's median is -8.92% compared to the US national median of $74,332.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hammond spans $26,590,New Orleans spans $31,840. New Orleans has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapy assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, New Orleans ($73,113 effective) pays 3.78% more than Hammond ($70,450 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hammond if…
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose New Orleans if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,700/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($92,724)
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,113)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Hammond grew 7.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.0% growth in New Orleans over the same period.
Hammond, LA
$57,750 (2019) → $61,877 (2025)
New Orleans, LA
$62,130 (2019) → $65,850 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hammond, LA
New Orleans, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Hammond or New Orleans?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hammond and New Orleans?
Should I relocate from Hammond to New Orleans as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Hammond vs New Orleans?
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