Occupational Therapist Pay

Kenner vs Slidell: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare occupational therapist salaries between Kenner, LA and Slidell, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Kenner, LA
$92,763
$44.59/hr
Slidell, LA
$87,282
$41.97/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricKenner, LASlidell, LA
Median Salary$92,763$87,282
Hourly Rate$44.59$41.97
Entry Level (P10)$68,795$54,230
25th Percentile$77,476$63,124
75th Percentile$110,645$106,162
Top Earner (P90)$125,939$116,138
Total Employed11180
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Kenner ($92,763) and Slidell ($87,282) occupational therapist salaries.KennerSlidellMedian Salary$92,763$87,282Entry Level (P10)$68,795$54,230Top Earner (P90)$125,939$116,138US Median $103,400

Verdict

Kenner, LA offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Slidell.

The salary gap between Kenner and Slidell is $5,481 (6.28%). Kenner's median is -10.29% compared to the US national median of $103,400.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kenner spans $57,144,Slidell spans $61,908. Slidell has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapists.

Kenner
P10 (Entry)$68,795
P25$77,476
Median$92,763
P75$110,645
P90 (Top)$125,939
Slidell
P10 (Entry)$54,230
P25$63,124
Median$87,282
P75$106,162
P90 (Top)$116,138

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Kenner ($102,728 effective) pays 9.13% more than Slidell ($94,129 effective).

Kenner
Nominal: $92,763
CoL Index: 90.3
Adjusted: $102,728
Slidell
Nominal: $87,282
CoL Index: 92.726
Adjusted: $94,129

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Kenner if…

  • Higher median salary ($92,763/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($125,939)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,728)
  • You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle

Choose Slidell if…

  • Larger job market (180 employed)
  • You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Kenner grew 15.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -8.8% growth in Slidell over the same period.

Kenner, LA

+15.6%

$77,854 (2024) → $90,009 (2025)

Slidell, LA

+-8.8%

$92,880 (2024) → $84,690 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays occupational therapists more: Kenner or Slidell?

Kenner has a higher median occupational therapist salary at $92,763/year, compared to Slidell at $87,282/year — a difference of $5,481 (6.28%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Kenner and Slidell?

Kenner occupational therapists earn $44.59/hr while Slidell hygienists earn $41.97/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Kenner to Slidell as a occupational therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Kenner and Slidell. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Kenner = $102,728, Slidell = $94,129), job availability (11 vs 180 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Kenner vs Slidell?

Entry-level (10th percentile) occupational therapists earn $68,795 in Kenner and $54,230 in Slidell. The Kenner area offers higher starting salaries.
JM

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.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Chen, OTR/LData verified by Luis Garcia, OTR/L

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