Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Slidell, LA: $41.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Slidell, LA runs $41.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $87,282 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Slidell's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.7, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,374 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Slidell, Louisiana, the occupational therapist hourly pay stands at a median of $41.97, a figure that is significantly lower than the national median of $49.71. This hourly rate offers a solid income for both part-time and per diem professionals in diverse settings such as hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, school therapy rooms, and outpatient hand therapy clinics. For example, a part-time occupational therapist working three days a week, potentially totalling 24 hours, could see earnings that sustain a comfortable lifestyle. Meanwhile, hourly rates for entry-level positions start at approximately $26.07, while seasoned professionals in the field can earn up to $55.84, showcasing a wide range of compensation based on experience and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.07 | $208.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.35 | $242.81 |
| Median (P50) | $41.97 | $335.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.04 | $408.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.84 | $446.70 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Slidell
Based on $41.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.97/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Slidell, LA can expect to earn approximately $87,289 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,359. With a cost-of-living index of 92.73 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Slidell.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Slidell
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,678.64 | $7,274 | $87,289 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,007.18 | $4,364 | $52,374 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $671.46 | $2,910 | $34,916 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Slidell) | $41.97 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $33.15 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist (National Avg) | $43.80 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapists in Slidell, LA earn a median of $87,282 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.59% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 7.80% below the Louisiana state average of $94,665.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.97/hr = $52,374/year (purchasing power: $56,482).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $87,289/year (purchasing power: $94,137).
CoL index: 92.726 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$34.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.97/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Slidell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.73/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.82/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Slidell grew 18.1% from $34.48/hr (2019) to $40.72/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.25/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Slidell 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.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapist in Slidell
Examining the financial potential further reveals that a part-time occupational therapist in Slidell can expect to take home about $52,712 annually by working 24 hours a week throughout the year, compared to the higher earnings of full-time employment. For those opting for per diem roles, billing rates typically span from $50 to $75 per hour, with specialized hand therapists, particularly those holding the CHT credential, potentially commanding rates from $80 to $110 per hour in cash-pay practices. Additionally, travel contracts can be lucrative, bringing in $1,800 to $2,800 weekly. Various employer types in Slidell, such as skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and educational institutions, might offer differing hourly rates, often with trade-offs between pay and benefits. Negotiation is key; it's advisable for occupational therapists to understand the value of benefits versus higher hourly rates and to leverage their specialized skills in discussions about pay.
More salary data for Slidell, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Slidell in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Slidell?
Are occupational therapists in Slidell paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Slidell?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Slidell?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapists in Slidell. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 2-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