OT Assistant Salary

Hattiesburg vs Vicksburg: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Hattiesburg, MS and Vicksburg, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Hattiesburg, MS
$60,780
$29.22/hr
Vicksburg, MS
$61,162
$29.40/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHattiesburg, MSVicksburg, MS
Median Salary$60,780$61,162
Hourly Rate$29.22$29.40
Entry Level (P10)$45,655$46,201
25th Percentile$53,032$53,271
75th Percentile$65,636$65,401
Top Earner (P90)$72,706$69,639
Total Employed76
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Hattiesburg ($60,780) and Vicksburg ($61,162) occupational therapy assistant salaries.HattiesburgVicksburgMedian Salary$60,780$61,162Entry Level (P10)$45,655$46,201Top Earner (P90)$72,706$69,639US Median $74,332

Verdict

Hattiesburg and Vicksburg are closely matched on overall occupational therapy assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Hattiesburg and Vicksburg is $382 (0.63%). Vicksburg's median is -17.72% compared to the US national median of $74,332.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hattiesburg spans $27,051,Vicksburg spans $23,438. Hattiesburg has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Hattiesburg
P10 (Entry)$45,655
P25$53,032
Median$60,780
P75$65,636
P90 (Top)$72,706
Vicksburg
P10 (Entry)$46,201
P25$53,271
Median$61,162
P75$65,401
P90 (Top)$69,639

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Vicksburg ($71,368 effective) pays 0.63% more than Hattiesburg ($70,922 effective).

Hattiesburg
Nominal: $60,780
CoL Index: 85.7
Adjusted: $70,922
Vicksburg
Nominal: $61,162
CoL Index: 85.7
Adjusted: $71,368

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Hattiesburg if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($72,706)
  • Larger job market (7 employed)
  • You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle

Choose Vicksburg if…

  • Higher median salary ($61,162/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,368)
  • You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Hattiesburg grew 16.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 16.6% growth in Vicksburg over the same period.

Hattiesburg, MS

+16.6%

$50,697 (2024) → $59,119 (2025)

Vicksburg, MS

+16.6%

$51,015 (2024) → $59,490 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Hattiesburg or Vicksburg?

Vicksburg has a higher median occupational therapy assistant salary at $61,162/year, compared to Hattiesburg at $60,780/year — a difference of $382 (0.63%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Hattiesburg and Vicksburg?

Hattiesburg occupational therapy assistants earn $29.22/hr while Vicksburg hygienists earn $29.40/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Hattiesburg to Vicksburg as a occupational therapy assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Hattiesburg and Vicksburg. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Hattiesburg = $70,922, Vicksburg = $71,368), job availability (7 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Hattiesburg vs Vicksburg?

Entry-level (10th percentile) occupational therapy assistants earn $45,655 in Hattiesburg and $46,201 in Vicksburg. The Vicksburg area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, COTA/LData verified by Samuel Chen, OTR/L

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