Senior Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Biloxi, MS: $75,768 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of occupational therapy assistants working in Biloxi, MS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $75,768/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2011. Strip back Biloxi's price premium (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $88,411 in average-cost America. The 19% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Biloxi, Mississippi can expect robust compensation as they advance their careers. With a projected median annual salary of $63,579 in 2026, experienced professionals can potentially earn between $45,535 and $75,768, placing the top tiers significantly above the local median. Notably, the premium associated with senior positions reflects an estimated salary gap of over $12,000 between the median and the highest earners. Achieving the highest pay in this market typically requires specialization in high-demand areas such as pediatric care, hand therapy, or leadership roles that combine clinical expertise with operational responsibilities.
About the Biloxi Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Biloxi
Experienced occupational therapy assistants at the top of the pay scale in Biloxi earn between $68,340 and $75,768 per year (2026 est.). This $30,233 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Biloxi median of $63,579 sits 14.47% below the US median.
Top OTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Biloxi | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $63,579 | $74,332 |
| 75th Percentile | $68,340 | $81,384 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $75,768 | $92,303 |
In Biloxi, experienced occupational therapy assistants (P90) earn 19.17% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay in Biloxi
Advanced Certifications in Mississippi
MS occupational therapy assistants with additional specialty certifications within the occupational therapy field earn significantly above the $63,579 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Biloxi employers.
Specialty Focus
Occupational Therapy Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the occupational therapy field in Biloxi command premium compensation, often reaching the $68,340–$75,768 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Biloxi 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 Biloxi 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 Mississippi 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 Biloxi
Clinical Occupational Therapy Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Occupational Therapy Assistant
5-10 yearsOccupational Therapy Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBiloxi ranks #4 of 20 Mississippi cities for top earner occupational therapy assistant salary (90th percentile: $75,768).
Top 10% occupational therapy assistant compensation in Biloxi ($75,768) is 3.29% below the Mississippi average P90 ($78,344).
2019 BLS Actual
$67,483
2025 BLS Actual
$73,697
2026 Current Est.
$75,768
2019–2027 Growth
+15.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Biloxi (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,483 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,026 | Actual |
| 2021 | $65,841 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,249 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,246 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,676 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,697 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,768 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,897 | Projected |
Top-earning occupational therapy assistants (90th percentile) in Biloxi saw their compensation grow 9.2% from $67,483 in 2019 to $73,697 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 $77,897 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Biloxi 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 Biloxi
Compensation for senior occupational therapy assistants can vary widely based on specialization and employment setting in MS. Those working in skilled nursing facilities or hospital inpatient rehab settings often see higher wages than their counterparts in school districts or outpatient clinics. As the demand for therapeutic support grows, advanced credentials, such as the COTA certification from NBCOT and a state OTA license, can enhance earning potential. Additionally, positions with leadership responsibilities, such as operations coordinator or clinic educator, can lead to further advancement and associated pay rises. It's essential to consider non-salary compensation as well; roles may offer productivity incentives, weekend premiums, or varied contract options that complement the overall financial picture, especially in light of the 15% Medicare cut affecting OTA services since 2022.
More salary data for Biloxi, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced occupational therapy assistants make in Biloxi in 2026?
What drives higher occupational therapy assistant pay in Biloxi?
What certifications boost occupational therapy assistant salary in Biloxi?
Can experienced occupational therapy assistants make six figures in Biloxi?
How much does occupational therapy assistant salary increase over time in Biloxi?
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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 $73,697 for occupational therapy assistants in the Biloxi 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
Salary data for Biloxi 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