Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Lenexa, KS: $32.52 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Lenexa, KS runs $32.52 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,634 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Lenexa's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,583 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lenexa, Kansas, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay stands at a median of $32.52, which is slightly lower than the national median of $35.74. This pay level reflects the range of settings in which COTAs typically work, including skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, and outpatient clinics. For those seeking part-time roles—say, working three days a week—this hourly rate provides a solid income, particularly beneficial for caregivers balancing other commitments. Newcomers or entry-level occupational therapy assistants can expect hourly wages starting around $22.56, while more experienced professionals can earn up to $41.97 as they advance in their careers. It's essential to recognize that these hourly rates are derived from annual salary estimates and can fluctuate based on location and employer type within the field.
About the Lenexa 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) | $22.56 | $180.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.06 | $216.48 |
| Median (P50) | $32.52 | $260.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.46 | $283.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.97 | $335.74 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lenexa
Based on $32.52/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.52/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lenexa, KS can expect to earn approximately $67,639 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,023. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lenexa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lenexa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,300.75 | $5,637 | $67,639 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $780.45 | $3,382 | $40,583 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $520.30 | $2,255 | $27,056 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Lenexa) | $32.52 |
| 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 Lenexa, KS earn a median of $67,634 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.01% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 0.10% above the Kansas state average of $67,566.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.52/hr = $40,583/year (purchasing power: $44,646).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,639/year (purchasing power: $74,410).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.91/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.63/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.52/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Lenexa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.91/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.54/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.01/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.11/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.32/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.12/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.63/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.52/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Lenexa grew 17.5% from $26.91/hr (2019) to $31.63/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.43/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 Lenexa 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 Lenexa
The financial landscape for part-time occupational therapy assistants in Lenexa can vary significantly when compared to their full-time counterparts. By working a 24-hour week as a part-time COTA, an individual would earn approximately $40,000 annually, which is a respectable income, especially considering the lower cost of living index in the area. When working as a per diem occupational therapy assistant, pay can fluctuate based on demand, typically billing at rates between $30 and $45 per hour. Travel COTAs often secure contracts ranging from $1,100 to $1,700 weekly, although changes to Medicare reimbursements have impacted some SNF agency rates post-2022. Additionally, hourly wages can differ across employer types; for instance, school district positions may offer different compensation packages compared to outpatient clinics or home health agencies, and some COTAs may choose lower hourly pay in exchange for better health insurance benefits. Negotiating pay—and knowing the right balance between hourly rates and benefits—can be key for professionals in Lenexa navigating their career paths in occupational therapy.
More salary data for Lenexa, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Lenexa in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Lenexa?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Lenexa paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Lenexa?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Lenexa?
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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 Lenexa. 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 Lenexa 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