Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Maryland Heights, MO: $30.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Maryland Heights, MO runs $30.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,421 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Maryland Heights's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,056 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the hourly pay for an occupational therapy assistant in Maryland Heights is projected to be $30.49, which is notably 14.68% lower than the national median hourly rate of $35.74. This rate reflects the economic conditions and cost of living in Maryland Heights, where working as a COTA in various settings like skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, and outpatient clinics offers diverse pay scales. The hourly range for COTAs spans from $21.84 at the lowest percentile to $38.18 for top earners. For part-time workers who may be employed three days a week, these hourly rates provide significant flexibility, allowing for various scheduling options whether working in therapy rooms, school settings, or home health visits. Entry-level occupational therapy assistants generally start closer to the lower end of the spectrum, while seasoned professionals see their earnings climb within this wage structure.
About the Maryland Heights 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) | $21.84 | $174.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.82 | $206.52 |
| Median (P50) | $30.49 | $243.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.17 | $257.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.18 | $305.47 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Maryland Heights
Based on $30.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.49/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Maryland Heights, MO can expect to earn approximately $63,426 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,592. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Maryland Heights.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Maryland Heights
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,219.74 | $5,286 | $63,426 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $731.84 | $3,171 | $38,056 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $487.90 | $2,114 | $25,371 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Maryland Heights) | $30.49 |
| 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 Maryland Heights, MO earn a median of $63,421 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.68% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.80% below the Missouri state average of $64,584.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.49/hr = $38,056/year (purchasing power: $42,473).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,426/year (purchasing power: $70,788).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.66/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Maryland Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.23/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.82/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.23/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.66/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.35/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Maryland Heights grew 17.5% from $25.23/hr (2019) to $29.66/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.35/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 Maryland Heights 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 Maryland Heights
When considering part-time employment, a COTA working 24 hours a week can expect to take home roughly $38,310 annually, which contrasts sharply with the income of full-time professionals. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Maryland Heights tends to range between $30 and $45 per hour, attracting many practitioners seeking flexibility. Contract work presents unique opportunities, with travel occupational therapy assistant positions offering weekly compensation between $1,100 and $1,700, depending on individual qualifications and demand in the region. Moreover, while full-time roles often include health benefits that may seem attractive, some COTAs opt for flexible hours with a lower hourly rate, prioritizing personal time and alternative work-life arrangements. Different employer types—such as schools, outpatient clinics, and home health agencies—also exhibit variations in pay, driven by funding structures and the impact of the 15% Medicare cut on reimbursement rates. When negotiating, understanding individual pay structures and potential benefits can empower COTAs to seek compensation that aligns with their career goals and personal circumstances in Maryland Heights.
More salary data for Maryland Heights, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Maryland Heights in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Maryland Heights?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Maryland Heights paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Maryland Heights?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Maryland Heights?
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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 Maryland Heights. 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 Maryland Heights 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