Occupational Therapist Salary in Brandon, MS: $84,454 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Brandon, MS earns a median $84,454/year (≈ $40.61/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Brandon's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $98,546 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.7% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median annual salary for an occupational therapist in Brandon, Mississippi, is projected to be $84,454, reflecting local cost adjustments from 2025 BLS data. Salary range estimates indicate entry-level positions earning approximately $63,220 (P10) and experienced practitioners potentially making up to $110,052 (P90). This compensation is notably lower than the national median of $103,400, which highlights the impact of regional economic factors on occupational therapist pay in Brandon MS. The presence of a small but steady local workforce contributes to the area's occupational therapy services, with several therapists serving the community, indicating the growing demand for rehabilitation services.
About the Brandon Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,220 | $30.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $70,886 | $34.08 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $84,454 | $40.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $98,501 | $47.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $110,052 | $52.91 |
Median Salary Position
18.32% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brandon
In Brandon, MS, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,832 (2026 est.). At $84,454, the local median is 18.32% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Brandon: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Brandon Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Brandon median: $84,454/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Brandon Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $88,619 | -4.70% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -18.32% less |
Occupational Therapists in Brandon, MS earn a median of $84,454 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.32% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 4.70% below the Mississippi state average of $88,619.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Brandon has a cost of living 14.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Brandon, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $84,454 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $98,546 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$69,384
2025 BLS Actual
$81,946
2026 Current Est.
$84,454
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Brandon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,384 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,470 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,891 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,106 | Actual |
| 2023 | $78,712 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,875 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,946 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,454 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,038 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Brandon metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $69,384 (2019) to $81,946 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $87,038 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,654 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brandon 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) | $63,220 – $70,886 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $70,886 – $84,454 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $84,454 – $98,501 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $98,501 – $110,052 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Brandon
The occupational therapist job market in Brandon is characterized by a relatively low employment level, with only six professionals currently working in the area. Given the cost-of-living index of 85.7, which is significantly below the national average, take-home pay effectively provides more purchasing power for residents. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehab centers typically offer the highest wages, whereas school district contracts or early intervention programs tend to compensation lower. Factors influencing salary disparities include workplace settings, specialty certifications like the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) designation, and varied job expectations. For those looking to maximize their occupational therapist pay in Brandon, pursuing advanced certifications or seeking positions in higher-paying environments can be strategic moves. Additionally, considering year-round contracts over school-year ones may provide better financial stability in a fluctuating job market.
More salary data for Brandon, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Brandon, MS in 2026?
Is Brandon, MS a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Brandon?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Brandon?
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Related Pages
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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 $81,946 for occupational therapistsin the Brandon 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 Brandon 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