Entry-Level Occupational Therapist Salary in Hattiesburg, MS: $72,595 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapists entering the Hattiesburg, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $72,595 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1122, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hattiesburg's local price level (BEA RPP 87.6 — 12% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $82,840 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($82,025) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Starting a career as an occupational therapist in Hattiesburg can be both hopeful and challenging for recent graduates. With a projected entry-level salary of $72,595 in 2026, new OTs can expect to see a gradual increase as they gain experience. This figure is slightly lower than the city’s median, which stands at $82,025, creating a gap that might motivate new grads to seek out advanced credentials or specialize early in their careers. Entry-level professionals can anticipate moving toward the 25th percentile of $80,840 within a few years, benefiting from a healthy annual growth rate of 3.06%. Given Hattiesburg’s cost of living being below the national average, graduates entering the field should find manageable living conditions while building their career.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hattiesburg
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 Hattiesburg
Entry-level occupational therapists in Hattiesburg, MS typically start between $72,595 and $80,840 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $37,803 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $82,025 — 20.67% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Mississippi of $65,000 represents just 89.54% of the starting occupational therapist pay ($72,595/year) in Hattiesburg. 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 Hattiesburg
- 1Research the Hattiesburg market: entry-level occupational therapist pay ranges from $72,595 to $80,840, 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 MS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Hattiesburg, 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 Hattiesburg for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Hattiesburg'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 Hattiesburg is $37,803 ( 52.07%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $72,595, experienced hygienists can earn up to $110,398.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$64,220
2025 BLS Actual
$70,440
2026 Current Est.
$72,595
2019–2027 Growth
+16.5%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Hattiesburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,220 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,330 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,860 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,870 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,800 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,270 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,440 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,595 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,817 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Hattiesburg, MS grew 9.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $64,220 in 2019 to $70,440 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $74,817. New graduates entering the Hattiesburg job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hattiesburg 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 Hattiesburg
In Hattiesburg, various employers are keen to bring on new graduates, particularly in healthcare and educational settings. Local hospital systems often offer residency programs that not only provide valuable mentorship but also lead to specialty certifications, helping new grads enhance their marketability. School districts frequently recruit entry-level therapists, offering summer contracts that allow for work-life balance and ongoing professional development. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) may pursue fresh talent but often create a demanding work environment with strong productivity expectations. To increase earning potential, new therapists should focus on obtaining credentials such as a Master’s or Doctorate from an ACOTE-accredited program, passing the NBCOT national exam, and considering optional board certifications like the CHT, which is highly valued within the profession. Realistically, starting salaries may rise as therapists gain experience and pursue additional qualifications, positioning themselves for increased compensation in their first few years in the field.
More salary data for Hattiesburg, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapists in Hattiesburg in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapist salaries grow in Hattiesburg?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Hattiesburg?
What do new occupational therapists make right out of school in Hattiesburg?
How do I become a occupational therapist in Mississippi?
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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 Hattiesburg. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-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