Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Liberal, KS: $49,560 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Liberal, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $49,560 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Liberal's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $54,521 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($63,018) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates looking to enter the field as occupational therapy assistants in Liberal, Kansas, the starting salary offers a competitive entry-point. Projections for 2026 indicate an annual salary of around $49,560 at the 10th percentile, which new COTAs can reasonably expect as they begin their careers. This figure is slightly lower than the city median salary of $63,018, suggesting that fresh graduates should brace for a gradual financial climb as they gain experience. Over the first few years, early-career professionals in Liberal can anticipate salary growth from the starting range up towards the 25th percentile at approximately $56,511, a trajectory that indicates advancement is possible with dedication and skill. Given the local market dynamics, Liberal presents a viable opportunity for entry-level COTAs, though navigating the early stages will require a proactive approach to career development.
About the Liberal Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Liberal
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 Liberal
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Liberal, KS typically start between $49,560 and $56,511 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $26,819 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $63,018 — 15.22% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Kansas of $14,000 represents just 28.25% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($49,560/year) in Liberal. 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 Liberal
- 1Research the Liberal market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $49,560 to $56,511, 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 Liberal, 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 Liberal for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Liberal'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 Liberal is $26,819 ( 54.11%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $49,560, experienced hygienists can earn up to $76,379.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$39,068
2025 BLS Actual
$48,205
2026 Current Est.
$49,560
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Liberal (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,068 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,425 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,824 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,881 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,565 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,665 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,205 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,560 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,952 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Liberal, KS grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $39,068 in 2019 to $48,205 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $50,952. New graduates entering the Liberal job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Liberal 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 Liberal
Employers across Liberal frequently on-board new graduates, particularly in skilled nursing facilities where the majority of opportunities lie. While outpatient clinics tend to prefer candidates with more experience, they do occasionally welcome new graduates for training in specialized areas such as pediatric or hand therapy support. To enhance entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay in Kansas, credentials like an Associate's degree from an ACOTE-accredited OTA program and passing the NBCOT national exam to gain the COTA credential are essential. Additionally, being licensed in Kansas and pursuing continuing education can help boost initial earnings. Industry challenges, such as the 15% Medicare Part B cut for OTA-provided services that commenced in 2022, further influence starting wages in these roles. First-year salaries may fluctuate, but with commitment and a focus on continuing education—potentially leading to career advancement into supervisory roles or a transition from COTA to MOT—new graduates can expect upward growth in earning potential as they navigate their professional journeys in Liberal.
More salary data for Liberal, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapy assistants in Liberal in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapy assistant salaries grow in Liberal?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Liberal?
What do new occupational therapy assistants make right out of school in Liberal?
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 Liberal. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Liberal 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