Senior Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Salina, KS: $76,109 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of occupational therapy assistants working in Salina, KS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $76,109/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2011. Strip back Salina's price premium (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $83,728 in average-cost America. The 16% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Salina, Kansas, senior occupational therapy assistants are poised to achieve significant financial rewards, with top earners (P90) projected to earn around $76,109 annually in 2026. This level of compensation reflects an impressive experience premium, as the median salary for this role stands at $65,381. The disparity between these figures illustrates the potential for seasoned professionals, particularly those with over seven years of experience, to capitalize on their expertise. To command these top-tier salaries, practitioners typically pursue specializations, take on leadership roles, and continually enhance their skill sets to stay ahead in this competitive field. As they advance their careers, senior occupational therapy assistants must navigate complexities and demonstrate significant clinical competence.
About the Salina Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Salina
Experienced occupational therapy assistants at the top of the pay scale in Salina earn between $69,177 and $76,109 per year (2026 est.). This $25,428 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Salina median of $65,381 sits 12.04% below the US median.
Top OTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Salina | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $65,381 | $74,332 |
| 75th Percentile | $69,177 | $81,384 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $76,109 | $92,303 |
In Salina, experienced occupational therapy assistants (P90) earn 16.41% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay in Salina
Advanced Certifications in Kansas
KS occupational therapy assistants with additional specialty certifications within the occupational therapy field earn significantly above the $65,381 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Salina employers.
Specialty Focus
Occupational Therapy Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the occupational therapy field in Salina command premium compensation, often reaching the $69,177–$76,109 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Salina metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced occupational therapy assistants who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured occupational therapy assistants in Salina with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Kansas who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Career & Wage Growth Path in Salina
Clinical Occupational Therapy Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Occupational Therapy Assistant
5-10 yearsOccupational Therapy Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedSalina ranks #15 of 22 Kansas cities for top earner occupational therapy assistant salary (90th percentile: $76,109).
Top 10% occupational therapy assistant compensation in Salina ($76,109) is 4.4% below the Kansas average P90 ($79,615).
2019 BLS Actual
$67,787
2025 BLS Actual
$74,029
2026 Current Est.
$76,109
2019–2027 Growth
+15.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Salina (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,787 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,337 | Actual |
| 2021 | $66,138 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,566 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,575 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,083 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,029 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,109 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,248 | Projected |
Top-earning occupational therapy assistants (90th percentile) in Salina saw their compensation grow 9.2% from $67,787 in 2019 to $74,029 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.81% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $78,248 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salina 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.
Maximizing Your Occupational Therapy Assistant Earnings in Salina
Several practice areas in Salina have been identified as particularly lucrative for experienced occupational therapy assistants. Specializations such as pediatric, geriatric, mental health, hand therapy support, and early intervention command premium pay. Each employer type offers distinct compensation structures for senior positions; for example, skilled nursing facilities may present different pay scales compared to hospital inpatient rehab or outpatient clinics. Leadership opportunities also abound, with potential advancements into roles such as lead OTA, clinic operations coordinator, or OTA program faculty. Additionally, obtaining various advanced credentials, including the COTA from NBCOT, can further boost pay potential in KS. Non-salary compensations are also essential considerations, especially given the impact of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut on the sector, affecting service delivery and income across various settings.
More salary data for Salina, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced occupational therapy assistants make in Salina in 2026?
What drives higher occupational therapy assistant pay in Salina?
What certifications boost occupational therapy assistant salary in Salina?
Can experienced occupational therapy assistants make six figures in Salina?
How much does occupational therapy assistant salary increase over time in Salina?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $74,029 for occupational therapy assistants in the Salina metro area. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Salina 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