Occupational Therapist Salary in Oxford, MS: $84,542 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Oxford, MS earns a median $84,542/year (≈ $40.65/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Oxford's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $98,649 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.6% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for an occupational therapist salary in Oxford, MS, is $84,542, reflecting a competitive offering within the region despite a national average of $103,400. Salaries in this field can vary widely, from $63,699 at the 10th percentile to $107,136 at the 90th percentile, indicating significant variation based on experience, certifications, and work settings. These figures stem from analysis of 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost considerations. The ability to earn a higher salary is notably enhanced for those who obtain specialty certifications such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), which adds a premium to the overall compensation and increases marketability in a city like Oxford that is working to advance its healthcare services.
About the Oxford Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,699 | $30.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71,067 | $34.16 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $84,542 | $40.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $98,772 | $47.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $107,136 | $51.51 |
Median Salary Position
18.24% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oxford
In Oxford, MS, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $43,437 (2026 est.). At $84,542, the local median is 18.24% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Oxford: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Oxford Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Oxford median: $84,542/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Oxford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $88,619 | -4.60% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -18.24% less |
Occupational Therapists in Oxford, MS earn a median of $84,542 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.24% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 4.60% below the Mississippi state average of $88,619.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Oxford 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.
Oxford, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $84,542 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $98,649 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$69,457
2025 BLS Actual
$82,032
2026 Current Est.
$84,542
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Oxford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,457 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,544 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,964 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,186 | Actual |
| 2023 | $78,794 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,951 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,032 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,542 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,129 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Oxford metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $69,457 (2019) to $82,032 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $87,129 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,672 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oxford 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) | $63,699 – $71,067 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $71,067 – $84,542 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $84,542 – $98,772 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $98,772 – $107,136 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Oxford
With only five occupational therapists currently employed in Oxford, the local job market is relatively focused, which may influence negotiation power for prospective hires. The cost of living index in this area is 85.7, indicating that while salaries are slightly lower than the national average, the affordability of housing and essentials may enhance the real purchasing power of local salaries. Key employers that offer the highest pay typically include hospital inpatient rehabilitation facilities and specialized outpatient clinics. The disparity in compensation across various settings, such as skilled nursing facilities versus school districts, is often determined by the setting's demands and productivity expectations, alongside Medicare reimbursement implications in 2026. Strategies for maximizing occupational therapist pay in Oxford involve seeking roles within high-paying institutions, pursuing additional certifications, and negotiating contracts that account for experience and specialized skills.
More salary data for Oxford, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Oxford, MS in 2026?
Is Oxford, MS a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Oxford?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Oxford?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Oxford?
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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 $82,032 for occupational therapistsin the Oxford 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 Oxford 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