Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Clinton, MS: $58,570 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Clinton, MS earns a median $58,570/year (≈ $28.16/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Clinton's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $68,343 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.1% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For 2026, an occupational therapy assistant in Clinton, MS, can expect a median annual salary of $58,570. This figure represents the earnings potential in an environment where the salary ranges from $44,913 at the 10th percentile to $67,428 at the 90th percentile. Estimations are drawn from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local economic conditions. Those on the path from Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) through various educational pathways may find that such a transition can significantly enhance their lifetime earning potential. This is particularly relevant in Clinton's job market, where opportunities may be limited with only five occupational therapy assistants currently employed in the area.
About the Clinton Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,913 | $21.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,501 | $24.76 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,570 | $28.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61,843 | $29.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67,428 | $32.42 |
Median Salary Position
21.2% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Clinton
In Clinton, MS, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $22,515 (2026 est.). At $58,570, the local median is 21.2% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Clinton: You'd be above the median
How Clinton Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Clinton median: $58,570/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Clinton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $63,732 | -8.10% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -21.20% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Clinton, MS earn a median of $58,570 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.20% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 8.10% below the Mississippi state average of $63,732.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Clinton has a cost of living 14.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Clinton, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $58,570 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $68,343 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,467
2025 BLS Actual
$56,969
2026 Current Est.
$58,570
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Clinton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,467 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,594 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,640 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,626 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,801 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,853 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,969 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,570 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,216 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Clinton metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $48,467 (2019) to $56,969 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $60,216 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,749 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Clinton 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) | $44,913 – $51,501 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,501 – $58,570 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,570 – $61,843 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $61,843 – $67,428 |
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 Clinton
In terms of the local job market, the employment landscape comprises a diverse array of employers, but salaries can vary significantly based on the work setting. Rehabilitation roles in hospital inpatient rehabilitation typically provide the highest compensation compared to other sectors like schools or skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), which have faced financial constraints due to the 15% reimbursement cut for OTA services enacted in 2022. Given the cost of living index in Clinton stands at 85.7, the reduced expenses may improve purchasing power relative to the nominal salary figures. To maximize earnings, occupational therapy assistants should consider positioning themselves within more lucrative environments and may benefit from pursuing weekend or PRN roles, which often come with premium pay structures. Additionally, maintaining productivity expectations and understanding the market dynamics can be critical strategies for increasing overall compensation in Clinton’s evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Clinton, 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
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 $56,969 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Clinton 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 Clinton 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