Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Central, LA: $65,037 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Central, LA earns a median $65,037/year (≈ $31.26/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Central's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.3), that paycheck buys what $72,023 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.9% below the Louisiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the estimated median annual salary for occupational therapy assistants in Central, Louisiana, is projected to be $65,037, which reflects a significant difference compared to the national median of $74,332. The salary range for this role varies widely, with entry-level positions (10th percentile) earning approximately $49,367, while those in the top tier (90th percentile) can earn around $78,807. These figures come from local estimates derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments. Given that Central's job market employs only five occupational therapy assistants, competition among these few providers can strongly influence salary potential and employment opportunities in this innovative field.
About the Central Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,367 | $23.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57,266 | $27.53 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,037 | $31.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70,700 | $33.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78,807 | $37.89 |
Median Salary Position
12.5% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Central
In Central, LA, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,440 (2026 est.). At $65,037, the local median is 12.5% below the national median of $74,332.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Central: You'd be above the median
How Central Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Central median: $65,037/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Central Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Average | $67,676 | -3.90% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -12.50% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Central, LA earn a median of $65,037 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.50% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 3.90% below the Louisiana state average of $67,676.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Central has a cost of living 9.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Central, LA has a cost-of-living index of 90.3 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $65,037 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $72,023 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.74% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,818
2025 BLS Actual
$63,259
2026 Current Est.
$65,037
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Central (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,818 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,069 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,011 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,216 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,631 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,783 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,259 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,037 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,864 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Central metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $53,818 (2019) to $63,259 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,864 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,046 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Central 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $49,367 – $57,266 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $57,266 – $65,037 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,037 – $70,700 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $70,700 – $78,807 |
OTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapy assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Market in Central
Understanding the local job market's nuances is key for maximizing the occupational therapy assistant pay in Central, LA. Currently, with a cost of living index of 90.3, professionals in this area may find that their purchasing power is slightly improved compared to larger metropolitan areas. Among the various employers, skilled nursing facilities typically offer higher salaries, although outpatient clinics and hospital inpatient rehab settings may have potential for better pay due to productivity expectations and contract types. Factors contributing to salary disparities include weekend or PRN premiums, differences in school-year versus year-round contracts, and the economic impact of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut since 2022. To optimize earnings in Central's market, occupational therapy assistants should seek out employment in settings that traditionally compensate higher and maintain productivity levels that exceed minimum expectations, allowing them to stand out in this competitive field.
More salary data for Central, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Central, LA in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Central?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapy assistant salary in Central?
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $63,259 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Central metropolitan area. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Central 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