Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Hernando, MS: $59,969 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Hernando, MS earns a median $59,969/year (≈ $28.83/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Hernando's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $69,975 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.9% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hernando, Mississippi, the projected median yearly compensation for occupational therapy assistants is $59,969 in 2026, reflecting the challenges faced in healthcare settings since the 15% Medicare cut. The salary range spans from $43,005 at the lower end to $71,673 at the higher end, highlighting the diversity of pay across various employment environments. Estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for Hernando's regional cost of living, which sits below the national average, indicating a competitive but constrained job market for COTAs. Given the unique dynamics between skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), outpatient clinics, and school contracts, aspiring professionals must understand these contexts to navigate their career effectively.
About the Hernando Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,005 | $20.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,112 | $25.54 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,969 | $28.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64,951 | $31.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71,673 | $34.46 |
Median Salary Position
19.32% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hernando
In Hernando, MS, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $28,668 (2026 est.). At $59,969, the local median is 19.32% below the national median of $74,332.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hernando: You'd be above the median
How Hernando Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Hernando median: $59,969/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hernando Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $63,729 | -5.90% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -19.32% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Hernando, MS earn a median of $59,969 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.32% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 5.90% below the Mississippi state average of $63,729.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hernando 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.
Hernando, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $59,969 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $69,975 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$49,625
2025 BLS Actual
$58,330
2026 Current Est.
$59,969
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Hernando (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,625 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,779 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,802 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,835 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,062 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,020 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,330 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,969 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,654 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hernando metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $49,625 (2019) to $58,330 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,654 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,029 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hernando 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) | $43,005 – $53,112 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,112 – $59,969 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,969 – $64,951 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $64,951 – $71,673 |
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 Hernando
The job market in Hernando holds opportunities for the six occupational therapy assistants currently employed, though the cost-of-living index at 85.7 suggests that take-home pay may have a limited stretch compared to national standards. Salaries tend to be higher in hospital settings compared to schools and skilled nursing facilities, especially in light of productivity expectations and the reimbursement challenges stemming from recent Medicare changes. To maximize earnings in Hernando, COTAs may want to consider seeking employment with hospitals or outpatient clinics while remaining adaptable to seasonal fluctuations in demand, such as taking on extra work during weekends or after-school hours. Furthermore, pursuing advanced credentials might yield better pay, especially for those considering the COTA-to-MOT bridge pathways endorsed by NBCOT, enhancing their prospects in a fluctuating job market.
More salary data for Hernando, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Hernando?
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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 $58,330 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Hernando 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 Hernando 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