Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Manhattan, KS: $64,133 (2026)

Currently, there are about 30 occupational therapy assistants employed in the Manhattan area, where the cost of living index is 90.162, suggesting that living expenses are below the national average. This factor contributes positively to the purchasing power of salaries here, albeit with some constraints due to recent changes in Medicare reimbursements. Employers that typically offer higher salaries include hospital inpatient rehabilitation departments and outpatient clinics, which often provide structured environments that value productivity. Differences in compensation are notably influenced by the nature of the work setting, with hospitals generally offering more competitive pay compared to skilled nursing facilities, particularly after recent cuts. To navigate the local job market effectively, aspiring occupational therapy assistants should explore roles in environments that offer weekend or PRN shifts, as these can provide higher hourly rates, while carefully considering the implications of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut on long-term pay growth in the field.