Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Slidell, LA: $31.62 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Slidell, LA runs $31.62 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,772 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Slidell's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,467 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the hourly pay for an occupational therapy assistant in Slidell, Louisiana is projected to be $31.62, significantly lower than the national hourly median of $35.74. This pay scale can impact part-time and per-diem professionals who typically occupy roles in skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and during home health visits. For those working three days a week, this hourly rate translates into varying weekly incomes, and the broader hourly range extends from $22.11 at the lower end to $37.05 for top earners. Such figures are derived from the annual salary data for the region, providing insights into the expected compensation landscape for occupational therapy assistants in the area.
About the Slidell Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.11 | $176.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.27 | $226.18 |
| Median (P50) | $31.62 | $252.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.61 | $268.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.05 | $296.42 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Slidell
Based on $31.62/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.62/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Slidell, LA can expect to earn approximately $65,779 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,949. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Slidell.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Slidell
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,264.97 | $5,482 | $65,779 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $758.98 | $3,289 | $39,467 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $505.99 | $2,193 | $26,311 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Slidell) | $31.62 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Slidell, LA earn a median of $65,772 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.52% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 2.80% below the Louisiana state average of $67,666.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.62/hr = $39,467/year (purchasing power: $43,707).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,779/year (purchasing power: $72,845).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.62/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Slidell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.51/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.62/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Slidell grew 17.5% from $26.17/hr (2019) to $30.76/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.51/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapy assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Slidell 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 2.81% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapy Assistant in Slidell
Looking closely at the earning potential for part-time occupational therapy assistants, those working a typical three-day schedule of 24 hours per week can expect an annual income significantly lower than their full-time counterparts. Per-diem workers often find themselves navigating a market where they can bill anywhere from $30 to $45 per hour. Additionally, travelling contracts for COTAs can run between $1,100 and $1,700 weekly, although post-2022 reimbursement cuts have affected premium pay and contract opportunities, especially in skilled nursing facilities. Various employer types in Slidell offer different compensation packages; while school districts may provide stable hourly rates with benefits, outpatient clinics might offer higher hourly pay without additional perks. This divergence prompts some occupational therapy assistants to accept lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance. For those negotiating hourly wages in Slidell, emphasizing relevant experience, certification through NBCOT, and familiarity with Medicare guidelines can be advantageous strategies to secure favorable compensation.
More salary data for Slidell, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Slidell in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Slidell?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Slidell paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Slidell?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Slidell?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapy assistants in Slidell. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Slidell 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 2.81%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapy assistants (SOC 31-2011).
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