Home / City Job Salaries / Occupational Therapist in Ruston

Occupational Therapist Salary in Ruston, LA

How much does a occupational therapist make in Ruston? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Ruston's cost of living.

Median Salary
$58,311
per year in Ruston
Entry Level
$38,874
Starting salary
Senior Level
$79,044
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
78
22% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how occupational therapist salaries break down across different pay periods in Ruston.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$38,874$58,311$79,044
Monthly$3,240$4,859$6,587
Biweekly$1,495$2,243$3,040
Weekly$748$1,121$1,520
Hourly$19$28$38

Ruston vs National Average

How Ruston's occupational therapist salaries compare to national figures.

Ruston Salary
$58,311
COL Index: 78
National Average
$87,950
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$29,639
Lower in Ruston

Cost of Living in Ruston

1-Bedroom Rent
$640
per month
Median Income
$28,234
per year
Population
22,650
residents
Rent % of Income
27.2%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 78 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Ruston have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Occupational Therapist

Overview

Help patients develop and maintain skills for daily living and work.

Education

Master's degree in Occupational Therapy; licensure required

Key Skills

Therapeutic TechniquesPatient AssessmentTreatment PlanningRehabilitation

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +17% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Occupational Therapist Salary

See Occupational Therapist salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$102,750
+76%
Los Angeles, CA
$115,380
+98%
Chicago, IL
$100,940
+73%
Houston, TX
$101,050
+73%
Phoenix, AZ
$103,090
+77%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a occupational therapist salary in Ruston.

Salary Breakdown Calculator

See exactly how your salary breaks down into taxes and take-home pay.

Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Ruston.

Budget Calculator

Create a personalized budget based on your income and expenses.

Rent vs Buy Calculator

Compare the true costs of renting versus buying in Ruston.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Ruston, LA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a occupational therapist in Ruston, LA is $58,311 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 78. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Ruston's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level occupational therapist professionals in Ruston can expect to earn around $38,874 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level occupational therapists earning approximately $79,044 per year. This represents a 103% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Ruston's cost of living index of 78 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Ruston are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $87,950, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a occupational therapist's salary in Ruston typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $640 per month, housing represents about 13.2% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Occupational Therapists are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 17% over the next decade. In Ruston, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.