Senior Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Shreveport, LA: $83,821 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of occupational therapy assistants working in Shreveport, LA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $83,821/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2011. Strip back Shreveport's price premium (BEA RPP 84.8, 15% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $98,885 in average-cost America. The 17% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
Occupational therapy assistants with significant experience in Shreveport, Louisiana, can expect to see competitive salaries, especially at the top echelon. The anticipated pay for top earners is projected to reach $83,821 in 2026, while those in the 75th percentile can earn around $82,711. Comparatively, Shreveport’s upper-tier salaries are slightly below the national benchmark of $74,332. However, the gap between the median annual salary of $71,525 and top-tier compensation highlights the financial incentives available for seasoned professionals in the field. Attaining these premium salaries often requires specialization, a robust network within the healthcare system, and staying abreast of industry advancements, ensuring that experienced occupational therapy assistants are recognized as valuable contributors within their organizations.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Shreveport
Experienced occupational therapy assistants at the top of the pay scale in Shreveport earn between $82,711 and $83,821 per year (2026 est.). This $37,927 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Shreveport median of $71,525 sits 3.78% below the US median.
Top OTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Shreveport | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $71,525 | $74,332 |
| 75th Percentile | $82,711 | $81,384 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $83,821 | $92,303 |
In Shreveport, experienced occupational therapy assistants (P90) earn 17.19% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay in Shreveport
Advanced Certifications in Louisiana
LA occupational therapy assistants with additional specialty certifications within the occupational therapy field earn significantly above the $71,525 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Shreveport employers.
Specialty Focus
Occupational Therapy Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the occupational therapy field in Shreveport command premium compensation, often reaching the $82,711–$83,821 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Shreveport metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced occupational therapy assistants who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured occupational therapy assistants in Shreveport with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Louisiana who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Career & Wage Growth Path in Shreveport
Clinical Occupational Therapy Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Occupational Therapy Assistant
5-10 yearsOccupational Therapy Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedShreveport ranks #9 of 20 Louisiana cities for top earner occupational therapy assistant salary (90th percentile: $83,821).
Top 10% occupational therapy assistant compensation in Shreveport ($83,821) is 4.11% below the Louisiana average P90 ($87,415).
2019 BLS Actual
$75,610
2025 BLS Actual
$81,530
2026 Current Est.
$83,821
2019–2027 Growth
+14.0%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Shreveport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $75,610 | Actual |
| 2020 | $80,360 | Actual |
| 2021 | $78,110 | Actual |
| 2022 | $82,740 | Actual |
| 2023 | $87,460 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,540 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,530 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,821 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86,176 | Projected |
Top-earning occupational therapy assistants (90th percentile) in Shreveport saw their compensation grow 7.8% from $75,610 in 2019 to $81,530 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.81% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $86,176 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Shreveport 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.
Maximizing Your Occupational Therapy Assistant Earnings in Shreveport
In Shreveport, certain specializations can increase the potential for senior occupational therapy assistant pay, particularly in areas like pediatric therapy, geriatric care, and mental health. These specializations are often sought after, resulting in higher compensation packages across various employer types, such as skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics. More senior roles, including lead OTA or clinical operations coordinator, can also lead to competitive salaries while offering opportunities for advancement. For those looking to enhance their qualifications, pursuing additional credentials such as the NBCOT national exam or engaging in advanced practice areas through AOTA can lead to substantial pay increases. It is also crucial to consider non-salary compensation factors, such as productivity expectations and the setting of employment. With recent Medicare reimbursement cuts impacting OTA services, strategies to navigate these changes will further define the earning potential of experienced occupational therapy assistants in Shreveport.
More salary data for Shreveport, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced occupational therapy assistants make in Shreveport in 2026?
What drives higher occupational therapy assistant pay in Shreveport?
What certifications boost occupational therapy assistant salary in Shreveport?
Can experienced occupational therapy assistants make six figures in Shreveport?
How much does occupational therapy assistant salary increase over time in Shreveport?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $81,530 for occupational therapy assistants in the Shreveport metro area. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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