Occupational Therapist Salary in Louisiana
Based on 2K+ workers in Louisiana
Median Annual Salary (LA)
$98,490
$47.35/hr
vs National Average
$98,754
-0.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$61K – $127K
2K employed in Louisiana
Occupational Therapist salary in Louisiana averages $98,490 per year, matching the national average. The state employs approximately 2,060 occupational therapists across various settings. Salaries in this field range from $61,070 at the entry level to $126,630 for experienced professionals, reflecting the diversity of career paths and specializations available.
Several factors influence occupational therapist compensation in Louisiana, including years of experience, educational credentials, and work setting. Healthcare facilities, rehabilitation centers, and private practices may offer different salary packages. Geographic location within the state, employer size, and specialized certifications also play important roles in determining earning potential for occupational therapy professionals.
Salary Distribution — Occupational Therapist in Louisiana
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $61,070 |
| 25th percentile | $72,350 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $98,490 |
| 75th percentile | $107,880 |
| 90th percentile | $126,630 |
Top-Paying Industries for Occupational Therapist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Occupational Therapists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Occupational Therapists in Louisiana tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $105,560 | 3K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $101,950 | 200 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $101,410 | 570 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $101,080 | 133K |
| Administrative and Support Services | $100,120 | 3K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Occupational Therapist in Louisiana vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Louisiana) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $94,280 |
| 2023 | $95,230 |
| 2024 | $94,030 |
| 2025 | $98,490 |
| 2026 (projected) | $103,162 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Louisiana Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $94,280 | $88,771 |
| 2023 | $95,230 | $93,040 |
| 2024 | $94,030 | $95,329 |
| 2025 | $98,490 | $98,754 |
| 2026 (projected) | $103,162 | $103,438 |
Occupational Therapist Salary by Experience Level in Louisiana
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $72,350 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $98,490 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $107,880 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $126,630 |
Occupational Therapist Salary in Other States
Related Occupational Therapist Salaries in Louisiana
How other high-demand occupations in Louisiana compare to Occupational Therapist ($98,490 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Occupational Therapist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pediatrician in LA | $502,720 | +410.4% | $241.69/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in LA | $410,500 | +316.8% | $197.36/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in LA | $404,550 | +310.8% | $194.50/hr |
| Psychiatrist in LA | $345,040 | +250.3% | $165.88/hr |
| Surgeon in LA | $304,830 | +209.5% | $146.55/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in LA | $255,330 | +159.2% | $122.75/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in LA | $222,130 | +125.5% | $106.79/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in LA | $210,390 | +113.6% | $101.15/hr |
| Podiatrist in LA | $197,480 | +100.5% | $94.94/hr |
| Dentist in LA | $170,750 | +73.4% | $82.09/hr |
| Pharmacist in LA | $132,410 | +34.4% | $63.66/hr |
| Physician Assistant in LA | $128,870 | +30.8% | $61.96/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Louisiana?
- Occupational therapists in Louisiana earn a median salary of $98,490 per year, which translates to approximately $47 per hour. This is slightly below the national average by 0.3%, making Louisiana's occupational therapy salaries competitive with the rest of the country.
What is the salary range for occupational therapists in Louisiana?
- The salary range for occupational therapists in Louisiana spans from $61,070 at the lower end to $126,630 at the higher end. This $65,560 range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and employer type within the state.
How many occupational therapists are employed in Louisiana?
- There are approximately 2,060 occupational therapists currently employed throughout Louisiana. This represents a stable job market for professionals in this field within the state.
Is the occupational therapist salary in Louisiana higher or lower than the national average?
- Louisiana's occupational therapist median salary of $98,490 is slightly lower than the national average, falling 0.3% below the national median. Despite this small difference, Louisiana remains a competitive state for occupational therapy compensation.