Jackson vs Starkville: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Jackson, MS and Starkville, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jackson, MS | Starkville, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,349▲ | $86,173 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.73▲ | $41.43 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,800▲ | $60,516 |
| 25th Percentile | $83,695▲ | $74,428 |
| 75th Percentile | $107,729▲ | $97,515 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $112,078▲ | $107,062 |
| Total Employed | 400▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Jackson, MS offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Starkville.
The salary gap between Jackson and Starkville is $15,176 (17.61%). Jackson's median is -1.98% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jackson spans $35,278,Starkville spans $46,546. Starkville 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, Jackson ($113,814 effective) pays 13.19% more than Starkville ($100,552 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Jackson if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($101,349/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($112,078)
- ✓Larger job market (400 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $113,814)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Starkville if…
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Jackson grew 30.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.0% growth in Starkville over the same period.
Jackson, MS
$75,470 (2019) → $98,340 (2025)
Starkville, MS
$73,338 (2024) → $83,614 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jackson, MS
Starkville, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Jackson or Starkville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Jackson and Starkville?
Should I relocate from Jackson to Starkville as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Jackson vs Starkville?
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