Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Liberty, MO: $63,637 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Liberty, MO earns a median $63,637/year (≈ $30.60/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Liberty's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.6), that paycheck buys what $71,023 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the Missouri state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Liberty, Missouri, the projected median annual salary for occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) is $63,637 in 2026, reflecting the varying dynamics of compensation that exist within different healthcare settings. The salary range for this role spans from $45,744 at the 10th percentile to $74,099 at the 90th percentile. Estimates are derived from state-level data based on 2025 BLS figures and adjusted for regional cost factors. The ongoing impact of Medicare reimbursement cuts, particularly the 15% reduction for OTA services that commenced in 2022, has resulted in wage compression, especially in skilled nursing facilities. This economic context highlights a segment of the job market where salaries can be significantly affected, and new entrants must carefully consider their prospective employers to optimize their earnings.
About the Liberty Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,744 | $21.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,142 | $26.03 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,637 | $30.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67,344 | $32.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $74,099 | $35.62 |
Median Salary Position
14.39% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Liberty
In Liberty, MO, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $28,355 (2026 est.). At $63,637, the local median is 14.39% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Liberty: You'd be above the median
How Liberty Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Liberty median: $63,637/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Liberty Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $64,606 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -14.39% less |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Liberty 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.
Liberty, MO has a cost-of-living index of 89.6 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $63,637 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $71,023 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$52,660
2025 BLS Actual
$61,898
2026 Current Est.
$63,637
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary 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 | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,660 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,885 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,849 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,006 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,369 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,745 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,898 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,637 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,426 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Liberty metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $52,660 (2019) to $61,898 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,426 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,766 (24.24%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $45,744 – $54,142 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,142 – $63,637 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,637 – $67,344 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $67,344 – $74,099 |
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 Liberty
The job market for occupational therapy assistants in Liberty appears relatively stable, with only five OTAs currently employed in the area. With a cost-of-living index of 89.6, salaries here stretch further than the national average, effectively enhancing purchasing power. Employers like hospitals or outpatient clinics typically offer more competitive wages compared to schools or skilled nursing facilities. Factors contributing to the salary variance include the setting (where hospitals generally pay more), productivity expectations, and the impact of the Medicare cuts on payment structures. Maximizing pay in this competitive environment requires savvy contract negotiation and consideration of employment benefits, such as year-round versus school-year contracts. Additionally, pursuing advancement pathways such as the COTA-to-MOT bridge can be a strategic career move for further compensation potential.
More salary data for Liberty, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Liberty, MO in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Liberty?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapy assistant salary 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
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 $61,898 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Liberty 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 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