New Orleans vs Shreveport: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between New Orleans, LA and Shreveport, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | New Orleans, LA | Shreveport, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,657▲ | $102,287 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.80▲ | $49.18 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,876 | $67,638▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $81,180▲ | $80,603 |
| 75th Percentile | $112,552 | $113,418▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $128,691▲ | $126,991 |
| Total Employed | 390▲ | 150 |
Verdict
New Orleans, LA offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Shreveport.
The salary gap between New Orleans and Shreveport is $3,370 (3.29%). New Orleans's median is +2.18% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in New Orleans spans $61,815,Shreveport spans $59,353. New Orleans has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Shreveport ($120,670 effective) pays 5.75% more than New Orleans ($114,104 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose New Orleans if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,657/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($128,691)
- ✓Larger job market (390 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose Shreveport if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $120,670)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in New Orleans grew 20.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.2% growth in Shreveport over the same period.
New Orleans, LA
$84,930 (2019) → $102,520 (2025)
Shreveport, LA
$92,560 (2019) → $99,250 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
New Orleans, LA
Shreveport, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: New Orleans or Shreveport?
What is the hourly rate difference between New Orleans and Shreveport?
Should I relocate from New Orleans to Shreveport as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in New Orleans vs Shreveport?
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