Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Wichita, KS: $31.76 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Wichita, KS runs $31.76 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,055 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Wichita's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.9, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,634 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Wichita, Kansas, the projected hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants stands at $31.76, which lags behind the national median of $35.74. This hourly figure creates opportunities for various working arrangements, particularly in flexible settings such as skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, or home health visits. For part-time work, such as three days a week, COTAs can expect to earn a solid income while also maintaining a work-life balance. The hourly range for occupational therapy assistants in the city varies from $26.43 for entry-level positions to $37.95 for the top earners, providing a viable path for those entering the field. This data reflects trends sourced from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, pinpointing average earnings for those considering a career as an occupational therapy assistant in Wichita.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.43 | $211.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.21 | $241.64 |
| Median (P50) | $31.76 | $254.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.54 | $292.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.95 | $303.58 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wichita
Based on $31.76/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.76/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wichita, KS can expect to earn approximately $66,057 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,110. With a cost-of-living index of 88.95 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wichita.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wichita
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,270.32 | $5,505 | $66,057 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $762.19 | $3,303 | $39,634 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $508.13 | $2,202 | $26,423 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Wichita) | $31.76 |
| 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 Wichita, KS earn a median of $66,055 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.14% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 2.20% below the Kansas state average of $67,541.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.76/hr = $39,634/year (purchasing power: $44,560).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,057/year (purchasing power: $74,266).
CoL index: 88.946 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.89/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.76/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Wichita (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.81/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.88/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.89/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.76/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.65/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Wichita grew 3.6% from $29.81/hr (2019) to $30.89/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.65/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 Wichita 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 Wichita
When examining earning potential in this occupation, part-time occupational therapy assistants working 24 hours a week can expect substantial annual take-home pay, albeit less than their full-time counterparts. For those seeking flexibility, per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Wichita typically ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, while travel COTA contracts can generate weekly earnings of $1,100 to $1,700, creating increased financial opportunities. Various employment types impact hourly earnings as well; facilities such as skilled nursing homes, hospitals, and school districts may offer different rates based on budget allocations. Moreover, some COTAs may opt for lower hourly wages if it means receiving additional benefits like health insurance, while others might prioritize higher pay without benefits. Practical negotiation skills are essential in this realm; occupational therapy assistants in Wichita can effectively advocate for better wages by aligning their asks with relevant experience and prevailing market rates.
More salary data for Wichita, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Wichita in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Wichita?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Wichita paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Wichita?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Wichita?
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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 Wichita. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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