Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Shreveport, LA: $45,894 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Shreveport, LA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $45,894 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Shreveport's local price level (BEA RPP 84.8 — 15% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $54,142 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($71,525) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In Shreveport, Louisiana, new graduates can expect starting salaries hovering around $45,894 as they begin their journey as occupational therapy assistants in 2026. While this amount aligns with entry-level pay for the profession, it still presents a considerable gap compared to the city’s median salary of $71,525. For those just starting out, there is potential for salary growth as they gain experience; by the time they reach the 25th percentile, earnings may rise to around $63,084 and could eventually approach the median mark within the first few years. With a projected annual growth rate of 2.81%, Shreveport remains a relatively favorable market for recent graduates looking to establish themselves in the field, making it a viable option for those entering the workforce.
Career Earnings Timeline in Shreveport
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Shreveport
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Shreveport, LA typically start between $45,894 and $63,084 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $37,927 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $71,525 — 3.78% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Louisiana of $14,000 represents just 30.51% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($45,894/year) in Shreveport. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACOTE-accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant associate degree programs. Tuition varies between community college and private technical school settings.
OTA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Shreveport
- 1Research the Shreveport market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $45,894 to $63,084, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the occupational therapy field — employers in LA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Shreveport, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Shreveport for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Shreveport's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Compensation Range
The occupational therapy assistant wage spread in Shreveport is $37,927 ( 82.64%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $45,894, experienced hygienists can earn up to $83,821.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$38,950
2025 BLS Actual
$44,640
2026 Current Est.
$45,894
2019–2027 Growth
+21.1%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Shreveport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,950 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,020 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,880 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,640 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,510 | Actual |
| 2024 | $30,630 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,640 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,894 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,184 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Shreveport, LA grew 14.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $38,950 in 2019 to $44,640 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $47,184. New graduates entering the Shreveport job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Shreveport metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.81% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your occupational therapy Career in Shreveport
Employers in Shreveport that are known to hire entry-level COTAs often include skilled nursing facilities (SNF) and rehabilitation firms, which typically offer more opportunities for new graduates. School districts might also recruit occupational therapy assistants due to the attractive summer-off schedule, although outpatient clinics tend to favor candidates with experience. To enhance starting pay in LA, it is beneficial for new grads to hold an Associate's degree from an ACOTE-accredited OTA program, pass the NBCOT national exam, and obtain a state OTA license. Additionally, engaging in continuing education or training in specialized areas can further elevate earning potential. In light of the ongoing 15% Medicare Part B cut affecting OTA-provided services, first-year salaries may be compressed, but with dedication and experience, compensation can realistically improve over the initial years in practice, aligning more closely with the city’s average as they advance in their careers.
More salary data for Shreveport, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapy assistants in Shreveport in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapy assistant salaries grow in Shreveport?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Shreveport?
What do new occupational therapy assistants make right out of school in Shreveport?
How do I become a occupational therapy assistant in Louisiana?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new occupational therapy graduates. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Shreveport. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.81%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapy assistants (SOC 31-2011).
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