Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Oxford, MS: $60,775 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Oxford, MS earns a median $60,775/year (≈ $29.22/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Oxford's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $70,916 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.6% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected annual compensation for an occupational therapy assistant in Oxford, Mississippi, is set at $60,775, reflecting a competitive position within the local job market. Salary expectations will vary significantly, with a range from $45,644 at the 10th percentile to $72,691 at the 90th percentile. These figures are based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, incorporating regional cost adjustments to provide a more accurate depiction of earning potential in Oxford. Compared to the national median of $74,332, the local salary reflects a gap of approximately 18.24%. As the demand for occupational therapy assistants continues to witness annual growth of 2.81%, Oxford's job market appears poised for positive developments, making it an appealing location for professionals in the field.
About the Oxford Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,644 | $21.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,010 | $25.49 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,775 | $29.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66,935 | $32.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $72,691 | $34.95 |
Median Salary Position
18.24% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oxford
In Oxford, MS, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,047 (2026 est.). At $60,775, the local median is 18.24% below the national median of $74,332.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Oxford: You'd be above the median
How Oxford Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Oxford median: $60,775/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Oxford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $63,706 | -4.60% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -18.24% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Oxford, MS earn a median of $60,775 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.24% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 4.60% below the Mississippi state average of $63,706.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Oxford 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.
Oxford, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $60,775 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $70,916 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$50,292
2025 BLS Actual
$59,114
2026 Current Est.
$60,775
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Oxford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,292 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,461 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,472 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,532 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,789 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,693 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,114 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,775 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,483 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Oxford metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $50,292 (2019) to $59,114 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,483 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,191 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oxford 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) | $45,644 – $53,010 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,010 – $60,775 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,775 – $66,935 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $66,935 – $72,691 |
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 Oxford
Looking at the local employment landscape, there are currently five occupational therapy assistants in Oxford, which suggests a small but stable job market. The cost-of-living index of 85.7 indicates that residents enjoy a lower expense ratio than the national average, potentially enhancing the purchasing power of salaries earned in this region. Among the prevalent employers, skilled nursing facilities typically offer higher pay compared to outpatient clinics and school districts. Differences in pay are influenced by several factors, such as productivity expectations, weekend or PRN shifts, and varying contract lengths that may exist between school-year and year-round positions. With the recent 15% Medicare cut affecting OTA reimbursements, professionals should seek positions that offer a broader scope of services and hours, particularly in high-paying settings, to maximize their earnings in the Oxford market. Additionally, bridging pathways from COTA to MOT can open up new opportunities for career advancement and improved financial stability.
More salary data for Oxford, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Oxford, MS in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Oxford?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapy assistant salary in Oxford?
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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 $59,114 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Oxford 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 Oxford 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