Occupational Therapist Salary in Bossier City, LA: $100,663 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Bossier City, LA earns a median $100,663/year (≈ $48.40/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Bossier City's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.3), that paycheck buys what $111,476 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.3% above the Louisiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapist salaries in Bossier City, Louisiana, are currently projected to reach a median annual figure of $100,663 in 2026. This figure positions Bossier City slightly below the national median of $103,400, representing a 2.65% pay gap. Local estimates indicate a salary range from $73,661 at the 10th percentile to $135,295 at the 90th percentile, reflecting diverse job settings and conditions. These projections arise from BLS state-level data and adjusted regional cost considerations, particularly relevant following the impact of Medicare cuts on skilled nursing facility (SNF) and outpatient occupational therapy compensation post-2022. With 16 occupational therapists currently employed in the area, Bossier City’s job market demonstrates a unique dynamic shaped by local healthcare demands.
About the Bossier City Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,661 | $35.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $83,407 | $40.10 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $100,663 | $48.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $119,477 | $57.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $135,295 | $65.04 |
Median Salary Position
2.65% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bossier City
In Bossier City, LA, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $61,634 (2026 est.). At $100,663, the local median is 2.65% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bossier City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bossier City Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Bossier City median: $100,663/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bossier City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Average | $94,697 | +6.30% more |
| National Average | $103,400 | -2.65% less |
Occupational Therapists in Bossier City, LA earn a median of $100,663 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.65% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 6.30% above the Louisiana state average of $94,697.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bossier City has a cost of living 9.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bossier City, LA has a cost-of-living index of 90.3 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $100,663 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $111,476 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.74% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$82,701
2025 BLS Actual
$97,674
2026 Current Est.
$100,663
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Bossier City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $82,701 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,996 | Actual |
| 2021 | $83,305 | Actual |
| 2022 | $90,713 | Actual |
| 2023 | $93,819 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,420 | Actual |
| 2025 | $97,674 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $100,663 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $103,743 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bossier City metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $82,701 (2019) to $97,674 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $103,743 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,042 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bossier City 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $73,661 – $83,407 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $83,407 – $100,663 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $100,663 – $119,477 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $119,477 – $135,295 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Bossier City
In terms of the financial realities for occupational therapists in Bossier City, the cost-of-living index stands at 90.3, indicating a relatively affordable environment where take-home purchasing power can be maximized. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation settings tend to confer the highest salaries, while outpatient clinics and school contracts may not offer the same level of compensation despite often providing stable hours. The spread between lower and higher salaries is influenced by various factors: the level of setting, productivity expectations, and whether an employee holds a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential, which can significantly boost earnings. To enhance salary potential in Bossier City, occupational therapists should consider pursuing specialty certifications, particularly in hand therapy, and seek employment in settings that best leverage their skills for optimal pay.
More salary data for Bossier City, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Bossier City, LA in 2026?
Is Bossier City, LA a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Bossier City?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Bossier City?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Bossier City?
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $97,674 for occupational therapistsin the Bossier City metropolitan area. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bossier City is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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