Senior Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Oxford, MS: $72,691 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of occupational therapy assistants working in Oxford, MS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $72,691/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2011. Strip back Oxford's price premium (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $84,820 in average-cost America. The 20% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Oxford, Mississippi, experienced occupational therapy assistants have significant earning potential, with those in the top 90th percentile projected to earn $72,691 annually by 2026. This is a compelling contrast to the median annual salary of $60,775, highlighting the experience premium that accomplished professionals can achieve through advanced skills and specialization. To reach this top-tier pay, occupational therapy assistants typically pursue further training, such as acquiring specialized certifications or engaging in continuous education, which may involve bridge pathways like the COTA-to-MOT program to enhance their qualifications. This dedication pays off, particularly in a market that remains competitive yet offers measurable rewards for seasoned practitioners.
About the Oxford Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oxford
Experienced occupational therapy assistants at the top of the pay scale in Oxford earn between $66,935 and $72,691 per year (2026 est.). This $27,047 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Oxford median of $60,775 sits 18.24% below the US median.
Top OTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Oxford | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $60,775 | $74,332 |
| 75th Percentile | $66,935 | $81,384 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $72,691 | $92,303 |
In Oxford, experienced occupational therapy assistants (P90) earn 19.61% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay in Oxford
Advanced Certifications in Mississippi
MS occupational therapy assistants with additional specialty certifications within the occupational therapy field earn significantly above the $60,775 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Oxford employers.
Specialty Focus
Occupational Therapy Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the occupational therapy field in Oxford command premium compensation, often reaching the $66,935–$72,691 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Oxford 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 Oxford 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 Oxford
Clinical Occupational Therapy Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Occupational Therapy Assistant
5-10 yearsOccupational Therapy Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedOxford ranks #11 of 20 Mississippi cities for top earner occupational therapy assistant salary (90th percentile: $72,691).
Top 10% occupational therapy assistant compensation in Oxford ($72,691) is 7.22% below the Mississippi average P90 ($78,344).
2019 BLS Actual
$64,742
2025 BLS Actual
$70,704
2026 Current Est.
$72,691
2019–2027 Growth
+15.4%
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 | $64,742 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,223 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,167 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,396 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,271 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,119 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,704 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,691 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,733 | Projected |
Top-earning occupational therapy assistants (90th percentile) in Oxford saw their compensation grow 9.2% from $64,742 in 2019 to $70,704 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 $74,733 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
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.
Maximizing Your Occupational Therapy Assistant Earnings in Oxford
Compensation for senior occupational therapy assistants in Oxford varies not just by specialization but also across employer types. For instance, areas such as pediatric and geriatric therapy, mental health support, and hand therapy often command higher salaries due to their specialized nature. Different settings also yield distinct salary ranges; skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehab generally offer more robust pay compared to school district contracts or outpatient clinics. Advancing into leadership roles, such as clinic operations coordinator or regional clinical educator, can further shift compensation upward, as can obtaining advanced credentials like the NBCOT certification. Non-salary factors, such as work setting preferences, productivity expectations, and the impacts of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut, are increasingly relevant as they influence overall compensation packages for experienced occupational therapy assistants in MS.
More salary data for Oxford, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced occupational therapy assistants make in Oxford in 2026?
What drives higher occupational therapy assistant pay in Oxford?
What certifications boost occupational therapy assistant salary in Oxford?
Can experienced occupational therapy assistants make six figures in Oxford?
How much does occupational therapy assistant salary increase over time 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
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 $70,704 for occupational therapy assistants in the Oxford 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 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