Average Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary in New Orleans-Metairie, LA
The average salary for Occupational Therapy Assistantss in New Orleans-Metairie, LA is $55,370. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in New Orleans-Metairie, LA may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $55,370 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 9.3% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $84,030.
- Outlook: The current demand for Occupational Therapy Assistantss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 140 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader New Orleans-Metairie, LA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Occupational Therapy Assistants in New Orleans-Metairie, LA earns-20.1%below the national average.
$26.6
$1,065
$4,614
Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Occupational Therapy Assistants salaries in New Orleans-Metairie, LA have seen a slight adjustment of -9.3%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary Distribution in New Orleans-Metairie, LA
The earning potential for Occupational Therapy Assistantss in New Orleans-Metairie, LA varies significantly by experience level. There is a substantial income gap, with top earners (90th percentile) making over 4.2x the starting salary. This indicates strong career progression opportunities. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $19,790, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $84,030.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $19,790 | $9.5 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $41,528 | $20 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $62,190 | $29.9 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $69,213 | $33.3 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $84,030 | $40.4 |
Detailed Occupational Therapy Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$55,370
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$55,370
Adjusted for COL (100)
In New Orleans-Metairie, LA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $55,370 to $55,370.
Job Market Context
140
Total Jobs
0.32
Per 1K Jobs
1.03
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.03, New Orleans-Metairie, LA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Occupational Therapy Assistants roles compared to the national norm.
140 people work as Occupational Therapy Assistants in New Orleans-Metairie, LA.
Only 0.32 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Occupational Therapy Assistants roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Occupational Therapy Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary | $58,710↑ 6% | 18 mi |
| Gulfport-Biloxi, MS Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary | $61,980↑ 12% | 57 mi |
| Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary | $65,370↑ 18% | 58 mi |
| Baton Rouge, LA Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary | $51,290↓ 7% | 76 mi |
Comparing salaries near New Orleans-Metairie, LA
Hiring Occupational Therapy Assistantss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistants make in New Orleans-Metairie, LA?
The median annual salary for a Occupational Therapy Assistants in New Orleans-Metairie, LA is $55,370. This typically ranges from $19,790 for entry-level positions to $84,030 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in New Orleans-Metairie, LA is 20.1% lower than the national median of $69,310.
Is New Orleans-Metairie, LA a good place for Occupational Therapy Assistantss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Occupational Therapy Assistants salary in New Orleans-Metairie, LA is $55,370 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of New Orleans-Metairie, LA. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is New Orleans-Metairie, LA a good place to live for Occupational Therapy Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in New Orleans-Metairie, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near New Orleans-Metairie, LA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA ($58,710) and Gulfport-Biloxi, MS.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 140 employees in the New Orleans-Metairie, LA area with a job density of 0.32 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 New Orleans-Metairie, LA