Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Derby, KS: $48,247 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Derby, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $48,247 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Derby's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $53,077 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($66,629) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Derby, Kansas, new graduates aiming for a career as an occupational therapy assistant can anticipate a starting salary around $48,247 in 2026. This figure represents the lower end of the salary spectrum, highlighting a significant gap from the projected median salary of $66,629 for the same year. For those just beginning their careers, this can be a crucial factor to consider. With potential growth over the first few years, including jumps to $56,739 as early as the 25th percentile, new COTAs can realistically expect to see increases in their earning potential as they gain experience and skills. Given the city’s moderate cost of living index and a projected annual growth rate of 2.81%, Derby presents a reasonable market for newcomers in the field hoping to establish their careers.
About the Derby Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Derby
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Derby
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Derby, KS typically start between $48,247 and $56,739 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $31,776 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $66,629 — 10.36% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Kansas of $14,000 represents just 29.02% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($48,247/year) in Derby. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACOTE-accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant associate degree programs. Tuition varies between community college and private technical school settings.
OTA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Derby
- 1Research the Derby market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $48,247 to $56,739, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the occupational therapy field — employers in KS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Derby, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Derby for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Derby's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Compensation Range
The occupational therapy assistant wage spread in Derby is $31,776 ( 65.86%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $48,247, experienced hygienists can earn up to $80,023.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$38,033
2025 BLS Actual
$46,928
2026 Current Est.
$48,247
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Derby (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,033 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,354 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,663 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,693 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,358 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,578 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,928 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,247 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,602 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Derby, KS grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $38,033 in 2019 to $46,928 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $49,602. New graduates entering the Derby job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Derby 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.
Starting Your occupational therapy Career in Derby
In terms of job prospects, various employers in Derby actively hire entry-level occupational therapy assistants. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) tend to bring on many new graduates due to the ongoing demand for rehabilitation services. School districts offer predictable schedules, which can be appealing for those looking for a work-life balance, while outpatient clinics may seek more experienced COTAs but often provide training in specialized areas such as pediatric or hand therapy. To enhance starting pay in Kansas, recent graduates should focus on obtaining the necessary credentials: completing an ACOTE-accredited OTA program, passing the NBCOT national exam for COTA certification, and acquiring a state license. Additionally, understanding the impact of the 15% Medicare cut for OTA services, which affects compensation in specific settings, is vital for career planning. Emphasizing continued education and seeking advanced practice opportunities through AOTA can also support realistic salary progression during the first three years on the job.
More salary data for Derby, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapy assistants in Derby in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapy assistant salaries grow in Derby?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Derby?
What do new occupational therapy assistants make right out of school in Derby?
How do I become a occupational therapy assistant in Kansas?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new occupational therapy graduates. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Derby. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Derby 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