Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Vicksburg, MS: $46,201 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Vicksburg, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $46,201 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Vicksburg's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $53,910 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($61,162) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Vicksburg, Mississippi, the starting salary for entry-level occupational therapy assistants is projected to be around $46,201 for 2026, which creates a noticeable gap compared to the city’s median annual salary of $61,162. New graduates can expect a gradual increase in pay as they gain experience, with the potential to reach $53,271 after a few years and approach the median salary as they establish themselves in the field. Given the 2.81% annual growth rate anticipated for this occupation, Vicksburg presents a reasonable market for those just entering the profession, particularly for new grads eager to leverage their skills in a community that values rehabilitation services.
About the Vicksburg Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Vicksburg
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 Vicksburg
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Vicksburg, MS typically start between $46,201 and $53,271 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $23,438 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $61,162 — 17.72% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Mississippi of $12,000 represents just 25.97% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($46,201/year) in Vicksburg. 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 Vicksburg
- 1Research the Vicksburg market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $46,201 to $53,271, 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 Vicksburg, 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 Vicksburg for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Vicksburg'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 Vicksburg is $23,438 ( 50.73%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $46,201, experienced hygienists can earn up to $69,639.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$36,420
2025 BLS Actual
$44,938
2026 Current Est.
$46,201
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Vicksburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,420 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,685 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,854 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,840 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,477 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,854 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,938 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,201 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,499 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Vicksburg, MS grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,420 in 2019 to $44,938 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $47,499. New graduates entering the Vicksburg job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Vicksburg 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 Vicksburg
Employers in Vicksburg that typically hire new graduates include skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), which primarily seek certified occupational therapy assistants (COTAs) to support their rehab teams. School districts may provide attractive schedules for new graduates through positions that allow for summer off, while outpatient clinics often prefer candidates with prior experience but are willing to train entry-level COTAs in specialized areas like pediatrics or hand therapy. To enhance starting pay in Mississippi, it's vital for new entrants to complete an ACOTE-accredited program, pass the NBCOT exam to earn their COTA credential, and obtain a state license. As new professionals navigate their first one to three years in this evolving sector, it's essential to be aware of the impacts of the 15% Medicare Part B cut for services provided by OTAs—this can affect salary potential in settings like SNFs and outpatient care. Realistic salary growth expectations during these foundational years will largely depend on experience and specialization, aligning with industry standards to maximize earning potential.
More salary data for Vicksburg, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Vicksburg. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Vicksburg is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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