Occupational Therapist salary in Baton Rouge, LA
Occupational Therapists in the Baton Rouge, LA metro area earn a median of $98,030 a year ($47.13 an hour), based on BLS data for 430 workers.
Pay ranges from $61,350 for the lowest-paid 10% to $128,850 for the top 10%. That is 2% lower than the national median of $100,330. Pay here is about the same as the Louisiana statewide median of $98,490. There are 1.1 occupational therapists per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $94,010, close to the median.
Pay range for occupational therapists in Baton Rouge, LA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $61,350 | $29.50 |
| 25th percentile | $71,500 | $34.38 |
| Median | $98,030 | $47.13 |
| 75th percentile | $106,430 | $51.17 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $128,850 | $61.95 |
| Average (mean) | $94,010 | $45.20 |
Half of occupational therapists earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $8,169.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $4,084.58 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,770.38 |
| Weekly | $1,885.19 |
| Hourly | $47.13 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Occupational Therapist salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA | $102,520 | 390 |
| Shreveport-Bossier City, LA | $99,250 | 150 |
| Monroe, LA | $98,980 | 130 |
| Alexandria, LA | $98,490 | 100 |
| Lafayette, LA | $85,710 | 150 |
| Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA | $84,690 | 180 |
| Lake Charles, LA | $83,840 | 70 |
| Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA | $82,720 | 120 |
| Hammond, LA | $81,190 | 70 |
Highest-paying states for occupational therapists
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| California | $124,510 |
| Oregon | $112,310 |
| Nevada | $110,520 |
| District of Columbia | $109,170 |
| Washington | $107,670 |
| Maryland | $106,980 |
| Colorado | $106,720 |
| Arkansas | $106,360 |
| Texas | $106,140 |
| Oklahoma | $104,300 |
See Occupational Therapist pay in every state or the Louisiana statewide figures.
Related jobs in Baton Rouge, LA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $81,130 | $39.00 |
| Physicians, All Other | $413,620 | $198.86 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $129,070 | $62.05 |
| Pharmacist | $134,680 | $64.75 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $65,020 | $31.26 |
| Physical Therapist | $98,920 | $47.56 |
| Dentists, General | $185,430 | $89.15 |
| Dental Hygienist | $92,700 | $44.57 |
| Physician Assistant | $130,670 | $62.82 |
| Respiratory Therapist | $74,220 | $35.68 |
| Veterinarian | $126,890 | $61.01 |
| Dietitians and Nutritionists | $70,940 | $34.10 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $268,210 | $128.95 |
| Therapists, All Other | $100,390 | $48.26 |
More: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations · all salaries in Baton Rouge, LA
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 29-1122. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a occupational therapist make in Baton Rouge, LA?
The median salary for occupational therapists in the Baton Rouge, LA metro area is $98,030 a year, or $47.13 an hour. Pay ranges from $61,350 for the lowest-paid 10% to $128,850 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid occupational therapists make in Baton Rouge, LA?
The top 10% of occupational therapists in the Baton Rouge, LA metro area earn at least $128,850 a year. The top 25% earn $106,430 or more.
What is the starting pay for occupational therapists in Baton Rouge, LA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $61,350 a year, and a quarter of occupational therapists earn $71,500 or less.
How many occupational therapists work in Baton Rouge, LA?
About 430 occupational therapists are employed in the Baton Rouge, LA metro area, not counting the self-employed.