Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Blue Springs, MO: $30.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Blue Springs, MO runs $30.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,704 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Blue Springs's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,620 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Blue Springs, Missouri, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected to be $30.14 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $35.74 per hour. This variance highlights the economic landscape in the region, where professionals working in various settings—such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and home health visits—should be aware of pay disparities. With an hourly range spanning from $21.86 for entry-level positions to $38.18 for experienced professionals, those considering part-time or per-diem options can expect to navigate this pay scale effectively. Whether working three days a week or accepting per-diem roles, understanding the local rates can help occupational therapy assistants in Blue Springs maximize their earning potential while maintaining flexibility in their careers.
About the Blue Springs Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.86 | $174.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.80 | $206.36 |
| Median (P50) | $30.14 | $241.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.59 | $268.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.18 | $305.47 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Blue Springs
Based on $30.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.14/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Blue Springs, MO can expect to earn approximately $62,699 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,173. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Blue Springs.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Blue Springs
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,205.76 | $5,225 | $62,699 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $723.45 | $3,135 | $37,620 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $482.30 | $2,090 | $25,080 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Blue Springs) | $30.14 |
| 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 Blue Springs, MO earn a median of $62,704 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.64% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 2.90% below the Missouri state average of $64,577.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.14/hr = $37,620/year (purchasing power: $41,986).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,699/year (purchasing power: $69,977).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.32/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Blue Springs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.52/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.32/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.99/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Blue Springs grew 17.5% from $24.94/hr (2019) to $29.32/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.99/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 Blue Springs 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 Blue Springs
When assessing earning potential, a part-time occupational therapy assistant working 24 hours a week may take home significantly less than their full-time counterparts. For instance, while a full-time COTA working full hours might increase their financial stability, those opting for part-time positions might have to address budget constraints. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Blue Springs typically ranges from $30 to $45 per hour; however, travel COTA contracts can yield between $1,100 and $1,700 weekly. After the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut for OTA services in 2022, many agencies have adjusted their pay scales, making it essential for occupational therapy assistants to understand the trade-offs between hourly pay and benefits. Positions at skilled nursing facilities or outpatient clinics may offer lower hourly rates compared to agency work, which can provide greater flexibility. It’s prudent for COTAs to negotiate effectively based on their skills and the specific employer, considering factors like insurance and job stability that come into play in the hourly wage discussions.
More salary data for Blue Springs, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Blue Springs in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Blue Springs?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Blue Springs paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Blue Springs?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Blue Springs?
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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 Blue Springs. 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 Blue Springs 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