Hattiesburg vs Madison: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Hattiesburg, MS and Madison, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hattiesburg, MS | Madison, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $82,025 | $87,403▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $39.44 | $42.02▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,595▲ | $60,907 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,840▲ | $75,074 |
| 75th Percentile | $101,153▲ | $98,437 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $110,398▲ | $108,143 |
| Total Employed | 80▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Hattiesburg and Madison are closely matched on overall occupational therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Hattiesburg and Madison is $5,378 (6.56%). Madison's median is -15.47% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hattiesburg spans $37,803,Madison spans $47,236. Madison has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Madison ($101,987 effective) pays 8.96% more than Hattiesburg ($93,601 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hattiesburg if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($110,398)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($87,403/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,987)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Hattiesburg grew -13.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.0% growth in Madison over the same period.
Hattiesburg, MS
$92,000 (2019) → $79,590 (2025)
Madison, MS
$74,385 (2024) → $84,808 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hattiesburg, MS
Madison, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Hattiesburg or Madison?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hattiesburg and Madison?
Should I relocate from Hattiesburg to Madison as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Hattiesburg vs Madison?
Written by Jordan Miller, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in occupational therapy. They specialize in pediatrics and work in a rehabilitation clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov