Entry-Level Occupational Therapist Salary in Shreveport, LA: $67,638 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapists entering the Shreveport, LA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $67,638 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1122, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Shreveport's local price level (BEA RPP 84.8 — 15% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $79,794 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($102,287) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
New graduates entering the field of occupational therapy in Shreveport, LA, can expect to earn a starting salary around $67,638 in 2026. This initial pay reflects the P10 percentile, which can set realistic expectations for those just beginning their careers. While this is notably lower than the city median of $102,287, it marks the beginning of a promising growth trajectory. In just a few years, entry-level salaries can progress to approximately $80,603 at the P25 level and further toward the median as skills and experience accumulate. With a projected annual growth rate of 3.06%, Shreveport offers a viable market for new grads, especially given the competitive nature of the profession. The cost of living index indicates that it is a relatively affordable city, which can further enhance the appeal for newcomers to this vibrant community.
Career Earnings Timeline in Shreveport
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Shreveport
Entry-level occupational therapists in Shreveport, LA typically start between $67,638 and $80,603 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $59,353 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $102,287 — 1.08% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Louisiana of $75,000 represents just 110.88% of the starting occupational therapist pay ($67,638/year) in Shreveport. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACOTE-accredited Master's and Doctoral occupational therapy programs. Tuition varies between public in-state and private institution programs; MOT programs typically run 2-3 years post-bachelor's.
OT, OTR Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Shreveport
- 1Research the Shreveport market: entry-level occupational therapist pay ranges from $67,638 to $80,603, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the occupational therapy field — employers in LA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Shreveport, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Shreveport for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Shreveport's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Occupational Therapist Compensation Range
The occupational therapist wage spread in Shreveport is $59,353 ( 87.75%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $67,638, experienced hygienists can earn up to $126,991.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$55,250
2025 BLS Actual
$65,630
2026 Current Est.
$67,638
2019–2027 Growth
+26.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Shreveport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,250 | Actual |
| 2020 | $67,480 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,530 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,280 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,940 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,920 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,630 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,638 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,708 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Shreveport, LA grew 18.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $55,250 in 2019 to $65,630 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $69,708. New graduates entering the Shreveport job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Shreveport metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.06% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your occupational therapy Career in Shreveport
Several key employers in Shreveport actively recruit new graduate occupational therapists, including hospital systems, which often provide residency programs aimed at fostering specialty certifications. Additionally, school districts frequently onboard fresh graduates, especially for summer contracts, allowing for a work-life balance that may appeal to many. Rehabilitation firms in skilled nursing facilities (SNF) also seek early-career professionals, though the pressure for productivity can be a consideration. To advance their starting pay, new grads should focus on obtaining credentials such as a Master's (MOT) or Doctorate (OTD) from an ACOTE-accredited program, as well as passing the NBCOT national exam and securing their state license. While the entry-level OTD is on the horizon as a requirement, currently held board certifications like the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) can command significant premiums. For those in the first few years of their careers, strategically seeking out positions where ongoing education is supported can lead to realistic salary growth and professional development in this evolving field.
More salary data for Shreveport, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapists in Shreveport in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapist salaries grow in Shreveport?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Shreveport?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new occupational therapy graduates. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Shreveport. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.06%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapists (SOC 29-1122).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov