Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Emporia, KS: $29.99 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Emporia, KS runs $29.99 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,378 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Emporia's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,427 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Emporia, Kansas, the projected median hourly pay for occupational therapy assistants stands at $29.99, which is notably below the national average of $35.74. For those considering part-time or per-diem roles, this hourly rate can significantly influence their overall income. An occupational therapy assistant working three days a week might average around 24 hours, making their earnings crucial for budgeting and lifestyle considerations. The hourly rate varies from $23.20 at entry-level positions to $35.71 for experienced practitioners at the upper end. Many occupational therapy assistants in Emporia operate in diverse settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and home health visits, all of which affect their pay structure based on local demand and budget allocations.
About the Emporia Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.20 | $185.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.51 | $212.12 |
| Median (P50) | $29.99 | $239.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.49 | $259.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.71 | $285.65 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Emporia
Based on $29.99/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.99/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Emporia, KS can expect to earn approximately $62,379 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,988. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Emporia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Emporia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,199.59 | $5,198 | $62,379 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $719.75 | $3,119 | $37,427 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $479.83 | $2,079 | $24,951 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Emporia) | $29.99 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Emporia, KS earn a median of $62,378 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.08% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 7.70% below the Kansas state average of $67,582.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.99/hr = $37,427/year (purchasing power: $41,174).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,379/year (purchasing power: $68,623).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.17/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.99/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Emporia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.82/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.91/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.17/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.99/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Emporia grew 17.5% from $24.82/hr (2019) to $29.17/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.83/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapy assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Emporia 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.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapy Assistant in Emporia
Earning potential as a part-time occupational therapy assistant can be substantial but varies widely. For example, a COTA working just three days a week may bring home considerably less per year than their full-time counterparts, emphasizing the trade-offs involved in part-time work. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Emporia often ranges from $30 to $45, and some travel contracts may offer between $1,100 and $1,700 per week. Nonetheless, due to the 15% Medicare cut affecting OTA services implemented in 2022, many positions, especially in skilled nursing facilities, have faced significant pay compression. Hourly rates also fluctuate depending on the employer type in Emporia; for example, school districts may offer more stable pay, whereas home health agencies could provide higher rates but with no benefits. When negotiating pay, it’s crucial for COTAs to outline their experience effectively, particularly in specialized areas or demonstrating successful outcomes to attain the best compensation fitting their skills and needs.
More salary data for Emporia, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Emporia in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Emporia?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Emporia paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Emporia?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Emporia?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Kansas
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapy assistants in Emporia. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Emporia 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