Bossier City vs New Orleans: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Bossier City, LA and New Orleans, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bossier City, LA | New Orleans, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $70,389▲ | $67,700 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.85▲ | $32.55 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,341 | $60,884▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $60,515 | $63,362▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $78,761 | $81,508▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $89,440 | $92,724▲ |
| Total Employed | 16 | 130▲ |
Verdict
Bossier City and New Orleans are closely matched on overall occupational therapy assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Bossier City and New Orleans is $2,689 (3.97%). Bossier City's median is -5.30% compared to the US national median of $74,332.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bossier City spans $38,099,New Orleans spans $31,840. Bossier City has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bossier City ($77,950 effective) pays 6.62% more than New Orleans ($73,113 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bossier City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($70,389/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,950)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose New Orleans if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($92,724)
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Bossier City grew 25.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 6.0% growth in New Orleans over the same period.
Bossier City, LA
$54,546 (2024) → $68,465 (2025)
New Orleans, LA
$62,130 (2019) → $65,850 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bossier City, LA
New Orleans, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Bossier City or New Orleans?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bossier City and New Orleans?
Should I relocate from Bossier City to New Orleans as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Bossier City vs New Orleans?
Written by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as an occupational therapist. Their specialty is working with children with developmental disorders. They have worked in various healthcare settings including schools and rehabilitation facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.81% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapy assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov