Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Liberty, MO: $30.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Liberty, MO runs $30.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,637 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Liberty's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.15 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,184 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Liberty, MO, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected to be $30.60 in 2026, significantly lower than the national median hourly rate of $35.74. This disparity means that those working as part-time occupational therapy assistants, especially those working three days a week, might have a difficult financial scenario compared to their full-time counterparts. At this rate, part-time workers would earn approximately $1,300 per month for 24 hours weekly, making it crucial to consider per diem opportunities that exist within various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and home health visits. Hourly rates for entry-level positions start at around $21.99, allowing for a progression towards top earners who can make up to $35.62. These figures are derived from annual salary estimates, providing a clear view of the financial landscape for those entering the field in Liberty.
About the Liberty 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) | $21.99 | $175.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.03 | $208.25 |
| Median (P50) | $30.60 | $244.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.37 | $259.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.62 | $284.99 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Liberty
Based on $30.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.60/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Liberty, MO can expect to earn approximately $63,640 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,716. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Liberty.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Liberty
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,223.85 | $5,303 | $63,640 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $734.31 | $3,182 | $38,184 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $489.54 | $2,121 | $25,456 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Liberty) | $30.60 |
| 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 Liberty, MO earn a median of $63,637 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.39% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.50% below the Missouri state average of $64,606.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.60/hr = $38,184/year (purchasing power: $42,616).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,640/year (purchasing power: $71,027).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Liberty (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.91/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.45/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.58/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.32/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.46/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Liberty grew 17.5% from $25.32/hr (2019) to $29.76/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.46/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 Liberty 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 Liberty
Focusing on the earning potential of part-time occupational therapy assistants in Liberty reveals an interesting dynamic. With annual revenue based on a 24-hour workweek, part-time employees may bring home around $15,600, which is considerably less than their full-time counterparts who typically clock in at 40 hours a week. Moreover, per diem or agency occupational therapy assistants often find themselves with variable pay rates, sometimes charging between $30 to $45 an hour for short-term contracts. However, due to the 15% Medicare cut imposed in 2022 affecting reimbursement rates, some professionals may experience diminished pay, particularly in skilled nursing facilities. Employers across different settings, including hospitals, schools, and home health agencies, offer varying hourly rates, with skilled nursing facilities generally reflecting the lowest figures. COTAs might opt for lower pay to secure benefits such as health insurance, emphasizing the need for effective negotiation skills when discussing hourly rates in the Liberty job market. This strategic approach is essential as practitioners seek optimal compensation while balancing employment benefits.
More salary data for Liberty, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Liberty in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Liberty?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Liberty paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Liberty?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Liberty?
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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 Liberty. 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 Liberty 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