Houma vs Shreveport: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Houma, LA and Shreveport, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houma, LA | Shreveport, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $85,251 | $102,287▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.99 | $49.18▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,939 | $67,638▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $62,939 | $80,603▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $105,575 | $113,418▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $130,505▲ | $126,991 |
| Total Employed | 120 | 150▲ |
Verdict
Shreveport, LA offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Houma.
The salary gap between Houma and Shreveport is $17,036 (19.98%). Shreveport's median is -1.08% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Houma spans $67,566,Shreveport spans $59,353. Houma 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, Shreveport ($120,670 effective) pays 20.46% more than Houma ($100,174 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Houma if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($130,505)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose Shreveport if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,287/year)
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $120,670)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Houma grew -9.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.2% growth in Shreveport over the same period.
Houma, LA
$91,650 (2019) → $82,720 (2025)
Shreveport, LA
$92,560 (2019) → $99,250 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Shreveport, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Houma or Shreveport?
What is the hourly rate difference between Houma and Shreveport?
Should I relocate from Houma to Shreveport as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Houma vs Shreveport?
Written by Jordan Miller, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in occupational therapy. They specialize in pediatrics and work in a rehabilitation clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% 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 Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov