Average Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary in Mississippi
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Mississippi earn an average annual salary of $63,520. This figure is notably below the national average of $69,310, reflecting a combination of regional economic factors and the specific demand within the state's healthcare sector. While the nominal salary is lower, understanding the local cost of living is crucial for a complete financial picture.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $63,520 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 4.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $78,180.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 490 Occupational Therapy Assistants, Mississippi demonstrates a concentrated presence of this profession, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.36. This suggests that the role is more prevalent in Mississippi than the national average, hinting at a stable or potentially growing demand for these skilled professionals within the state's healthcare infrastructure.
Salary Overview
The average Occupational Therapy Assistants in Mississippi earns-8.4%below the national average.
$30.5
$1,222
$5,293
Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Mississippi's Occupational Therapy Assistant salaries over the past four years is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend mirroring national patterns. Economic factors, increased demand for healthcare services, and inflation typically contribute to salary growth over time, suggesting that the current average of $63,520 has likely seen incremental increases.
Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary Distribution in Mississippi
Salary progression for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Mississippi typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can expect to earn significantly more. The gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries, often reflected in percentile data, signifies clear career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $51,260 | $24.6 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $47,640 | $22.9 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $62,160 | $29.9 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $79,400 | $38.2 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $78,180 | $37.6 |
Detailed Occupational Therapy Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$63,520
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$73,264
Adjusted for COL (86.7)
The average annual salary of $63,520 in Mississippi presents a favorable financial situation when contrasted with the state's Cost of Living Index of 86.7. Since the national average index is 100, Mississippi offers a lower cost of living, meaning that the nominal salary earned by Occupational Therapy Assistants can potentially provide a higher effective purchasing power compared to areas with a higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
490
Total Jobs
0.421
Per 1K Jobs
1.36
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.36, Mississippi has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Occupational Therapy Assistants roles compared to the national norm.
Mississippi's Location Quotient of 1.36 for Occupational Therapy Assistants signifies a higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market may be more competitive for new entrants, but also indicates a robust and established presence of the profession, potentially leading to more specialized opportunities and a stronger network within the state's healthcare system.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Occupational Therapy Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Jackson, MS Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary | $65,330↑ 3% | 43 mi |
Comparing salaries near Mississippi
Hiring Occupational Therapy Assistantss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistants make in Mississippi?
The median annual salary for a Occupational Therapy Assistants in Mississippi is $63,520. This typically ranges from $51,260 for entry-level positions to $78,180 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Mississippi is 8.4% lower than the national median of $69,310.
Is Mississippi a lucrative place for Occupational Therapy Assistants?
Yes, considering the cost of living.While the average salary is below the national average, Mississippi's lower cost of living index means that $63,520 can offer strong purchasing power. The higher concentration of jobs (LQ 1.36) also suggests consistent demand.
Is Mississippi a good place to live for Occupational Therapy Assistants?
With a Cost of Living Index of 86.7 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Mississippi?
Some top paying nearby cities include Jackson, MS ($65,330) and others.
How does Mississippi's OTA salary compare to the national average?
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Mississippi earn an average of $63,520 annually, which is approximately $5,790 less than the national average of $69,310.
What is the job concentration for OTAs in Mississippi?
Mississippi has a higher concentration of Occupational Therapy Assistants than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 1.36, indicating the role is more prevalent in the state.
How does the cost of living in Mississippi affect an OTA's salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 86.7, Mississippi is more affordable than the national average (100). This means the $63,520 salary can potentially go further in terms of purchasing power.
What is the total number of Occupational Therapy Assistants in Mississippi?
There are approximately 490 Occupational Therapy Assistants employed in Mississippi, representing 0.421 jobs per 1,000 workers in the state.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 490 employees in the Mississippi area with a job density of 0.421 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 Therapy Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Mississippi