Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Kirkwood, MO: $30.79 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Kirkwood, MO runs $30.79 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,043 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Kirkwood's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,428 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kirkwood, Missouri, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected to be $30.79 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $35.74. This rate reflects opportunities for both part-time workers, such as those who might work three days a week, and per-diem professionals in various therapeutic environments like skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and outpatient clinics. The hourly range for occupational therapy assistants here spans from $22.59 for entry-level positions to $37.33 for experienced practitioners, emphasizing the potential for growth in earnings as one gains experience and specialization in the field. Estimations for these hourly rates are derived from the annual salary data, providing a critical insight into the earning landscape for COTAs working in diverse settings within Kirkwood.
About the Kirkwood 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) | $22.59 | $180.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.44 | $211.54 |
| Median (P50) | $30.79 | $246.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.49 | $267.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.33 | $298.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kirkwood
Based on $30.79/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.79/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kirkwood, MO can expect to earn approximately $64,047 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,950. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kirkwood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kirkwood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,231.66 | $5,337 | $64,047 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $739.00 | $3,202 | $38,428 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $492.67 | $2,135 | $25,619 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Kirkwood) | $30.79 |
| 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 Kirkwood, MO earn a median of $64,043 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.84% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 0.80% below the Missouri state average of $64,560.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.79/hr = $38,428/year (purchasing power: $42,888).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,047/year (purchasing power: $71,480).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.79/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Kirkwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.57/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.76/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.49/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.79/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.66/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Kirkwood grew 17.5% from $25.48/hr (2019) to $29.95/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.66/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 Kirkwood 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 Kirkwood
Part-time occupational therapy assistants working 24 hours a week can expect their annual take-home pay to be significantly lower than that of full-time counterparts, impacting financial stability. In the context of per diem work, COTAs often see billing rates of $30 to $45 per hour depending on the specifics of their roles and employer types in Kirkwood. Travel contracts for COTAs can yield substantial weekly earnings, typically ranging from $1,100 to $1,700, although the post-2022 reimbursement cuts have led to a decline in premium pay for agency positions in skilled nursing facilities. The varying hourly rates across employer types—schools, outpatient clinics, and home health agencies—can lead to crucial decisions for many occupational therapy assistants. They often have to weigh the benefits of higher pay against job security and health insurance options. When negotiating pay, it's advisable for professionals to be aware of the local market conditions, including the impact of the 15% Medicare cut on OTA compensation, which reflects a pressing issue within the field.
More salary data for Kirkwood, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Kirkwood in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Kirkwood?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Kirkwood paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Kirkwood?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Kirkwood?
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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 Kirkwood. 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 Kirkwood 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