Average Occupational Therapists Salary in Lake Charles, LA
The average salary for Occupational Therapistss in Lake Charles, LA is $87,410. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Lake Charles, LA may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $87,410 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $133,440.
- Outlook: The current demand for Occupational Therapistss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 90 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Lake Charles, LA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Occupational Therapists in Lake Charles, LA earns-11.9%below the national average.
$42
$1,681
$7,284
Occupational Therapists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Occupational Therapists salaries in Lake Charles, LA have shown healthy growth of 16.9%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Occupational Therapists Salary Distribution in Lake Charles, LA
The earning potential for Occupational Therapistss in Lake Charles, LA varies significantly by experience level. There is a substantial income gap, with top earners (90th percentile) making over 3.1x the starting salary. This indicates strong career progression opportunities. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $43,150, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $133,440.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $43,150 | $20.7 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $65,558 | $31.5 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $90,760 | $43.6 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $109,263 | $52.5 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $133,440 | $64.2 |
Detailed Occupational Therapists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$87,410
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$87,410
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Lake Charles, LA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $87,410 to $87,410.
Job Market Context
90
Total Jobs
0.864
Per 1K Jobs
0.87
Location Quotient
Lake Charles, LA has 0.87x the national average concentration of Occupational Therapists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
90 people work as Occupational Therapists in Lake Charles, LA.
Only 0.864 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Occupational Therapists roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Occupational Therapists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX Occupational Therapists Salary | $102,430↑ 17% | 56 mi |
| Lafayette, LA Occupational Therapists Salary | $80,240↓ 8% | 70 mi |
| Alexandria, LA Occupational Therapists Salary | $89,170↑ 2% | 87 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lake Charles, LA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Occupational Therapists make in Lake Charles, LA?
The median annual salary for a Occupational Therapists in Lake Charles, LA is $87,410. This typically ranges from $43,150 for entry-level positions to $133,440 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lake Charles, LA is 11.9% lower than the national median of $99,240.
Is Lake Charles, LA a good place for Occupational Therapistss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Occupational Therapists salary in Lake Charles, LA is $87,410 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Lake Charles, LA. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Lake Charles, LA a good place to live for Occupational Therapists?
The Cost of Living Index in Lake Charles, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lake Charles, LA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX ($102,430) and Lafayette, LA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 90 employees in the Lake Charles, LA area with a job density of 0.864 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Occupational Therapists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Lake Charles, LA