Occupational Therapist Salary in Olive Branch, MS: $83,841 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Olive Branch, MS earns a median $83,841/year (≈ $40.31/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Olive Branch's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $97,831 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.4% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in Olive Branch, Mississippi, can expect to see a median annual salary of $83,841 in 2026, significantly below the national median of $103,400. Salary estimates for local professionals range from $62,132 at the 10th percentile to $105,128 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse opportunities available in the area. These figures, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, take into account regional cost-of-living adjustments, which are particularly relevant given the ongoing impact of Medicare cuts on skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and outpatient services after 2022. As the healthcare landscape continues to adjust, the demand for occupational therapy services in outpatient settings appears stable, offering a glimpse into potential job market opportunities.
About the Olive Branch Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,132 | $29.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $69,645 | $33.48 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $83,841 | $40.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $97,080 | $46.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $105,128 | $50.54 |
Median Salary Position
18.92% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Olive Branch
In Olive Branch, MS, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,996 (2026 est.). At $83,841, the local median is 18.92% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Olive Branch: You'd be above the median
How Olive Branch Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Olive Branch median: $83,841/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Olive Branch Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $88,627 | -5.40% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -18.92% less |
Occupational Therapists in Olive Branch, MS earn a median of $83,841 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.92% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 5.40% below the Mississippi state average of $88,627.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Olive Branch 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.
Olive Branch, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $83,841 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $97,831 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$68,881
2025 BLS Actual
$81,352
2026 Current Est.
$83,841
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Olive Branch (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,881 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,960 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,384 | Actual |
| 2022 | $75,554 | Actual |
| 2023 | $78,141 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,354 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,352 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,841 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86,407 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Olive Branch metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $68,881 (2019) to $81,352 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $86,407 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,526 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Olive Branch 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) | $62,132 – $69,645 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $69,645 – $83,841 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $83,841 – $97,080 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $97,080 – $105,128 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Olive Branch
With only seven occupational therapists currently employed in Olive Branch, the local market may seem limited but still presents viable avenues for career growth. A cost-of-living index of 85.7 suggests that wages may stretch further in Olive Branch compared to higher-cost areas, enhancing the purchasing power of local professionals. For higher earnings, therapists can explore roles in hospital inpatient rehab or specialized clinics, where higher salaries may be negotiated, especially for those holding the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential. Factors influencing salary disparities include the work setting—typically, hospital roles offer better pay than schools or SNFs—productivity expectations, and the structure of employment contracts, whether year-round or academic year. Remaining informed about payer policies and continuing education can also play a significant role in maximizing occupational therapist pay in Olive Branch, MS.
More salary data for Olive Branch, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Olive Branch, MS in 2026?
Is Olive Branch, MS a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Olive Branch?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Olive Branch?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Olive Branch?
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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 $81,352 for occupational therapistsin the Olive Branch 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 Olive Branch 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