Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Jackson, MS: $53,677 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Jackson, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $53,677 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Jackson's local price level (BEA RPP 89.0 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $60,279 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($65,325) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For newly graduated occupational therapy assistants in Jackson, Mississippi, the entry-level salary typically starts around $53,677 in 2026. While this figure is significantly below the median salary of $65,325 for the city, it allows for substantial growth over time. Those in their initial years can realistically expect to elevate their earnings, with many reaching $60,154 as they gain experience. As new professionals embark on their careers, Jackson presents a viable market for entry-level COTAs. A projected annual growth rate of 2.81% indicates that opportunities for advancement through employer-sponsored training and additional credentials are promising. Starting salaries, while not competitive with the national median of $74,332, align with the lower cost of living in the area.
Career Earnings Timeline in Jackson
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 Jackson
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Jackson, MS typically start between $53,677 and $60,154 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $26,782 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $65,325 — 12.12% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Mississippi of $12,000 represents just 22.36% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($53,677/year) in Jackson. 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 Jackson
- 1Research the Jackson market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $53,677 to $60,154, 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 MS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Jackson, 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 Jackson for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Jackson'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 Jackson is $26,782 ( 49.89%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $53,677, experienced hygienists can earn up to $80,459.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$50,150
2025 BLS Actual
$52,210
2026 Current Est.
$53,677
2019–2027 Growth
+10.0%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Jackson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,150 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,860 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,630 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,700 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,180 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,260 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,210 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,677 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,185 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Jackson, MS grew 4.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $50,150 in 2019 to $52,210 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $55,185. New graduates entering the Jackson job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jackson 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 Jackson
In Jackson, several employers actively recruit new occupational therapy assistant graduates, creating diverse opportunities in the region. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and rehabilitation centers often hire entry-level COTAs, while school districts provide a desirable schedule with summers off. Outpatient clinics tend to prioritize candidates with experience but occasionally offer training to new graduates in specialized areas such as pediatric or hand therapy support. To enhance earning potential, new COTAs should complete an associate's degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, pass the NBCOT national exam for the COTA credential, and obtain a state license. Given the constraints around reimbursement due to the 15% Medicare cut enacted in 2022, early career professionals may face compressed wages in some settings. However, with the right credentials and ongoing education, first-year salary growth can occur steadily as new COTAs develop their skills and take on more responsibilities under the supervision of licensed OTs.
More salary data for Jackson, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapy assistants in Jackson in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapy assistant salaries grow in Jackson?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Jackson?
What do new occupational therapy assistants make right out of school in Jackson?
How do I become a occupational therapy assistant in Mississippi?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Mississippi
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 Jackson. 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