Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Kansas City, MO: $35.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Kansas City, MO runs $35.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $73,047 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Kansas City's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.5, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $37.95 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,830 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Kansas City, MO, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay averages $35.12, slightly below the national median of $35.74. This rate is particularly advantageous for those considering part-time work, such as a 24-hour week spread over three days, or for per-diem roles across various environments, including skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and home health visits. The hourly rate can vary significantly, with entry-level positions starting at $27.47 (P10) and experienced practitioners potentially earning up to $40.30 (P90). These figures, derived from projected data based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, highlight the potential for solid earnings in this field while accommodating different work schedules.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.47 | $219.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.48 | $251.84 |
| Median (P50) | $35.12 | $280.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.82 | $310.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.30 | $322.41 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kansas City
Based on $35.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.12/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kansas City, MO can expect to earn approximately $73,049 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,144. With a cost-of-living index of 92.54 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kansas City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kansas City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,404.80 | $6,087 | $73,049 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $842.88 | $3,652 | $43,830 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $561.92 | $2,435 | $29,220 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Kansas City) | $35.12 |
| 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 Kansas City, MO earn a median of $73,047 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.73% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 13.10% above the Missouri state average of $64,586.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.12/hr = $43,830/year (purchasing power: $47,361).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $73,049/year (purchasing power: $78,936).
CoL index: 92.543 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.49/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.16/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Kansas City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.49/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.75/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.50/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.16/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.11/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Kansas City grew 19.9% from $28.49/hr (2019) to $34.16/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.11/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 Kansas City 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 Kansas City
Examining the financial landscape further reveals the potential for part-time occupational therapy assistants in Kansas City to earn an annual take-home income that is substantially lower than full-time counterparts, depending on the precise hours and setting they choose. For per-diem working arrangements, compensation typically falls within the range of $30-$45 per hour, but travel contracts could bring in between $1,100 and $1,700 weekly. Variations in employer types also affect hourly pay; COTAs in skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehab may see different rates than those working in school districts or outpatient clinics. Some assistants opt for lower wages if they come with health benefits, a trade-off that can sometimes favor those prioritizing financial security over hourly compensation. When negotiating, it’s practical for occupational therapy assistants to research average pay in their specific Kansas City markets and articulate their unique value to potential employers.
More salary data for Kansas City, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Kansas City in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Kansas City?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Kansas City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Kansas City?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Kansas City?
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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 Kansas City. 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