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Average Occupational Therapy Aides Salary in Louisiana

Occupational Therapy Aides in Louisiana earn an average annual salary of $30,060. This figure is notably below the national average of $41,450, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand within the state's healthcare sector. The lower average salary is often influenced by a combination of local wage standards and the overall economic landscape of Louisiana.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $30,060 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 1.4% ↘ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $40,010.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 210 Occupational Therapy Aides, Louisiana presents a concentrated job market. The Location Quotient of 3.45 significantly exceeds the national average, indicating a higher concentration of these professionals relative to the general workforce. This suggests a robust demand and a specialized niche for Occupational Therapy Aides within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$30,060

The average Occupational Therapy Aides in Louisiana earns-27.5%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$14.5

Weekly

$578

Monthly

$2,505

Occupational Therapy Aides Salary Distribution in Louisiana

Career progression for Occupational Therapy Aides in Louisiana typically involves gaining experience and specialized skills, which can lead to higher earning potential. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and certifications can command salaries significantly above the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect these opportunities for advancement.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$22,990$11.1
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$22,545$10.8
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$30,040$14.4
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$37,575$18.1
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$40,010$19.2

Detailed Occupational Therapy Aides Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$30,060

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$32,674

Adjusted for COL (92)

The average annual salary of $30,060 in Louisiana, when viewed against a Cost of Living Index of 92 (meaning it's 8% cheaper than the national average), suggests that the nominal salary may offer a reasonable purchasing power locally. While the absolute salary is lower than the national average, the reduced cost of living can help offset this difference, making the take-home pay more competitive in the state's economic context.

Job Market Context

210

Total Jobs

0.112

Per 1K Jobs

3.45

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Louisiana has 3.5x the national concentration of Occupational Therapy Aides jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

Louisiana's Location Quotient of 3.45 for Occupational Therapy Aides is a strong indicator of market concentration. A quotient significantly above 1.0 signifies that this profession is more prevalent in Louisiana than the national average, suggesting a specialized demand or a higher proportion of these roles within the state's employment landscape. This concentration implies a potentially competitive but also opportunity-rich environment for those in the field.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Occupational Therapy Aidess?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Occupational Therapy Aides make in Louisiana?

The median annual salary for a Occupational Therapy Aides in Louisiana is $30,060. This typically ranges from $22,990 for entry-level positions to $40,010 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Louisiana is 27.5% lower than the national median of $41,450.

Is Louisiana a lucrative place for Occupational Therapy Aides?

No, but cost of living offers some balance.The average salary of $30,060 is substantially lower than the national average. However, Louisiana's cost of living index of 92 means expenses are below the national average, partially mitigating the lower nominal wage.

Is Louisiana a good place to live for Occupational Therapy Aides?

With a Cost of Living Index of 92 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

How does the Louisiana salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Occupational Therapy Aides in Louisiana is $30,060, which is considerably lower than the national average of $41,450.

What is the concentration of Occupational Therapy Aides in Louisiana?

Louisiana has a high concentration of Occupational Therapy Aides, indicated by a Location Quotient of 3.45, meaning the profession is over 3 times more common there than in the U.S. overall.

How does the cost of living affect the salary in Louisiana?

With a Cost of Living Index of 92, Louisiana is 8% cheaper than the national average. This means the $30,060 salary might provide better purchasing power locally than the national average salary would in a higher cost-of-living area.

What does the workforce size suggest about job opportunities?

A total local workforce of 210 suggests a specialized but established market for Occupational Therapy Aides in Louisiana, with a significant concentration relative to the national average.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 210 employees in the Louisiana area with a job density of 0.112 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Occupational Therapy Aides • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Louisiana