Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Ruston, LA: $65,102 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Ruston, LA earns a median $65,102/year (≈ $31.30/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Ruston's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.3), that paycheck buys what $72,095 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the Louisiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for occupational therapy assistants in Ruston, Louisiana is $65,102, which falls short of the national median of $74,332 by approximately 12.42%. The local salary spectrum shows earnings ranging from $49,355 at the 10th percentile to $76,554 at the 90th percentile, indicating a significant variation based on factors like setting and productivity expectations. Prices for goods and services in Ruston are adjusted regionally, contributing to these estimates derived from BLS state-level data. With the backdrop of a 2.81% annual growth rate expected in the coming years, Ruston's job market offers opportunities that are important not just for new graduates but also for seasoned occupational therapy assistants seeking to enhance their careers in this field.
About the Ruston Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,355 | $23.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56,832 | $27.33 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,102 | $31.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69,735 | $33.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76,554 | $36.81 |
Median Salary Position
12.42% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ruston
In Ruston, LA, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,199 (2026 est.). At $65,102, the local median is 12.42% below the national median of $74,332.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ruston: You'd be above the median
How Ruston Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Ruston median: $65,102/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ruston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Average | $67,674 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -12.42% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Ruston, LA earn a median of $65,102 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.42% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 3.80% below the Louisiana state average of $67,674.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ruston 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.
Ruston, LA has a cost-of-living index of 90.3 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $65,102 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $72,095 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.74% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,873
2025 BLS Actual
$63,323
2026 Current Est.
$65,102
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Ruston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,873 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,125 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,065 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,273 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,690 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,837 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,323 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,102 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,932 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ruston metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $53,873 (2019) to $63,323 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,932 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,059 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ruston 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) | $49,355 – $56,832 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $56,832 – $65,102 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,102 – $69,735 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $69,735 – $76,554 |
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 Ruston
The local employment landscape for occupational therapy assistants shows that only four professionals are currently employed in Ruston, LA, highlighting a concentrated job market. With a cost-of-living index of 90.3, the lower expenses in the area can enhance purchasing power despite salaries being below national averages. Employers in skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics typically offer the most competitive pay, while positions in school districts might come with different contract structures that can impact annual earnings. Factors influencing the pay spread include the setting in which COTAs work, productivity expectations, and the effect of the 15% Medicare cut on reimbursement rates. To maximize earnings, aspiring occupational therapy assistants should consider aligning with higher-paying employers, seeking specialized skills, and maintaining flexibility to work in various settings throughout the year.
More salary data for Ruston, LA:
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
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 $63,323 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Ruston 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 Ruston 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