Occupational Therapist Salary in Jackson, MS: $101,349 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Jackson, MS earns a median $101,349/year (≈ $48.73/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Jackson's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.0), that paycheck buys what $113,814 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 14.4% above the Mississippi state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, occupational therapists in Jackson, Mississippi, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $101,349, slightly below the national median of $103,400. The salary range for this profession spans from $76,800 at the 10th percentile to $112,078 at the 90th percentile, according to estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026. Despite the Medicare cuts impacting compensation in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and outpatient settings, Jackson's occupational therapist pay remains competitive compared to many areas across the U.S. The market in Jackson reflects various factors influencing salary potential, making it important for professionals to carefully consider their employer and practice setting when evaluating their compensation options.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,800 | $36.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $83,695 | $40.23 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $101,349 | $48.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $107,729 | $51.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $112,078 | $53.88 |
Median Salary Position
1.98% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Jackson
In Jackson, MS, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,278 (2026 est.). At $101,349, the local median is 1.98% below the national median of $103,400.
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How Jackson Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Jackson median: $101,349/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Jackson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $88,592 | +14.40% more |
| National Average | $103,400 | -1.98% less |
Occupational Therapists in Jackson, MS earn a median of $101,349 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.98% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 14.40% above the Mississippi state average of $88,592.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Jackson has a cost of living 10.95% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Jackson, MS has a cost-of-living index of 89.048 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $101,349 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $113,814 in an average-cost city — an effective 12.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$75,470
2025 BLS Actual
$98,340
2026 Current Est.
$101,349
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Jackson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $75,470 | Actual |
| 2020 | $88,250 | Actual |
| 2021 | $81,050 | Actual |
| 2022 | $94,000 | Actual |
| 2023 | $97,090 | Actual |
| 2024 | $98,480 | Actual |
| 2025 | $98,340 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $101,349 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $104,450 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Jackson metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 30.3% from $75,470 (2019) to $98,340 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $104,450 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,980 (38.40%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jackson 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) | $76,800 – $83,695 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $83,695 – $101,349 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $101,349 – $107,729 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $107,729 – $112,078 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Jackson
In Jackson, approximately 400 occupational therapists are employed, pointing to a localized job market that is relatively stable. With a cost-of-living index of 89.048, the average take-home purchasing power for these professionals is favorable, allowing them to stretch their salaries further than in higher-cost areas. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation programs tend to offer the most competitive compensation packages. The pay differential can largely be attributed to the varying productivity expectations, with hospital settings typically providing higher salaries than schools or SNFs. Furthermore, achieving certifications like the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) can lead to additional pay premiums. For occupational therapists in Jackson, focusing on specialty certifications and considering positions that offer year-round contracts may enhance their earning potential.
More salary data for Jackson, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Jackson, MS in 2026?
Is Jackson, MS a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Jackson?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Jackson?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Jackson?
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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 $98,340 for occupational therapistsin the Jackson 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
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