Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Gladstone, MO: $61,718 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Gladstone, MO earns a median $61,718/year (≈ $29.67/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Gladstone's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.6), that paycheck buys what $68,882 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.4% below the Missouri state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gladstone, Missouri, the financial landscape for occupational therapy assistants is marked by a competitive median annual salary of $61,718, reflecting both local demand and regional cost adjustments. This salary is situated within a range from $46,596 at the 10th percentile to $76,366 at the 90th percentile, showcasing the potential for significant variation based on experience and work setting. Data points derived from 2025 BLS sources, projected to 2026, illustrate that while local salaries may trail the national median of $74,332, there are opportunities for growth through advanced pathways such as the COTA-to-MOT bridge. As more COTAs pursue their master's degrees, lifetime earnings potential increases, significantly impacting both their financial future and the overall job market in Gladstone.
About the Gladstone Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,596 | $22.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,965 | $25.95 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,718 | $29.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68,055 | $32.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76,366 | $36.71 |
Median Salary Position
16.97% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Gladstone
In Gladstone, MO, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,770 (2026 est.). At $61,718, the local median is 16.97% below the national median of $74,332.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Gladstone: You'd be above the median
How Gladstone Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Gladstone median: $61,718/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Gladstone Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $64,558 | -4.40% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -16.97% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Gladstone, MO earn a median of $61,718 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.97% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 4.40% below the Missouri state average of $64,558.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Gladstone has a cost of living 10.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Gladstone, MO has a cost-of-living index of 89.6 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $61,718 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $68,882 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$51,072
2025 BLS Actual
$60,031
2026 Current Est.
$61,718
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Gladstone (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,072 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,259 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,255 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,347 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,639 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,094 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,031 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,718 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,452 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Gladstone metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $51,072 (2019) to $60,031 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,452 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,380 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gladstone 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $46,596 – $53,965 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,965 – $61,718 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,718 – $68,055 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $68,055 – $76,366 |
OTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapy assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Market in Gladstone
The job market in Gladstone features only seven occupational therapy assistants, hinting at a niche environment that may benefit those already employed or residing in the area. The cost-of-living index stands at 89.6, which is below the national average, suggesting that the purchasing power for residents may be comparatively higher despite lower salary figures. Employers known to provide more competitive wages include skilled nursing facilities and hospital rehabilitation programs, as these settings often demand more specialized skills, driving compensation. The repayment pressures from the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut for OTA services may also contribute to wage differences. To maximize earnings in Gladstone, candidates should explore diverse settings, consider additional certifications, and stay informed about changes within employers that may enhance pay scales, especially in light of fluctuating Medicare regulations.
More salary data for Gladstone, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $60,031 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Gladstone metropolitan area. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Gladstone 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