Cape Girardeau vs Springfield: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Cape Girardeau, MO and Springfield, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cape Girardeau, MO | Springfield, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,752▲ | $63,084 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.65▲ | $30.33 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,118▲ | $52,042 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,321▲ | $60,637 |
| 75th Percentile | $75,164▲ | $74,856 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $76,244 | $82,999▲ |
| Total Employed | 60 | 120▲ |
Verdict
Cape Girardeau and Springfield are closely matched on overall occupational therapy assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Cape Girardeau and Springfield is $668 (1.06%). Cape Girardeau's median is -14.23% compared to the US national median of $74,332.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cape Girardeau spans $18,126,Springfield spans $30,957. Springfield has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapy assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Cape Girardeau ($74,063 effective) pays 4.00% more than Springfield ($71,213 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cape Girardeau if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,752/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,063)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($82,999)
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Cape Girardeau grew 15.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 3.9% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Cape Girardeau, MO
$53,892 (2024) → $62,010 (2025)
Springfield, MO
$59,080 (2019) → $61,360 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cape Girardeau, MO
Springfield, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Cape Girardeau or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cape Girardeau and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Cape Girardeau to Springfield as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Cape Girardeau vs Springfield?
Related Comparisons
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
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