Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Gardner, KS: $30.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Gardner, KS runs $30.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,658 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Gardner's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,594 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gardner, Kansas, the projected hourly pay for an occupational therapy assistant stands at $30.12, which is notably lower than the national median of $35.74. This difference impacts various working arrangements, particularly for those seeking part-time or per-diem positions in common settings like skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, outpatient clinics, and schools. With hourly earnings ranging widely from $23.53 for entry-level roles to $36.19 for top earners, occupational therapy assistants can find flexible opportunities that cater to their lifestyles, especially those working three days a week or accepting per-diem assignments. It’s essential to recognize that these hourly rates are derived from annual salary estimates, reflecting the economic conditions in Gardner and its cost of living index.
About the Gardner 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) | $23.53 | $188.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.80 | $214.42 |
| Median (P50) | $30.12 | $240.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.74 | $261.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.19 | $289.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gardner
Based on $30.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.12/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gardner, KS can expect to earn approximately $62,657 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,148. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gardner.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gardner
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,204.93 | $5,221 | $62,657 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $722.96 | $3,133 | $37,594 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $481.97 | $2,089 | $25,063 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Gardner) | $30.12 |
| 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 Gardner, KS earn a median of $62,658 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.71% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 7.30% below the Kansas state average of $67,592.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.12/hr = $37,594/year (purchasing power: $41,357).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,657/year (purchasing power: $68,929).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.93/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Gardner (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.93/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.51/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.13/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Gardner grew 17.5% from $24.93/hr (2019) to $29.30/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.97/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 Gardner 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 Gardner
Turning to the earning potential of part-time occupational therapy assistants in Gardner, those working 24 hours a week can expect a take-home amount that significantly contrasts with full-time earnings. While agency and per-diem contracts often see occupational therapy assistants billing anywhere from $30 to $45 per hour, the aftermath of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut in 2022 has led some to negotiate for more competitive rates in skilled nursing facilities and outpatient settings. Across different employer types, hourly rates may vary, with positions in schools or home health agencies sometimes offering lower pay but providing benefits that might not be available in higher-paying roles. As a strategy, occupational therapy assistants should consider their total compensation package when weighing job offers. Understanding the nuances of worker benefits in the Gardner market can be crucial, and negotiating for both hourly wage and health insurance can lead to a more favorable overall position.
More salary data for Gardner, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Gardner in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Gardner?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Gardner paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Gardner?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Gardner?
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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
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 Gardner. 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 Gardner 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