Belton vs St. Louis: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Belton, MO and St. Louis, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Belton, MO | St. Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $94,013 | $98,701▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $45.20 | $47.45▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,756 | $75,976▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $77,050 | $83,716▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $105,158 | $108,141▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $113,771 | $121,054▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 1,860▲ |
Verdict
St. Louis, MO offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Belton.
The salary gap between Belton and St. Louis is $4,688 (4.99%). St. Louis's median is -4.54% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Belton spans $45,015,St. Louis spans $45,078. St. Louis has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Belton ($104,925 effective) pays 1.08% more than St. Louis ($103,800 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Belton if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,925)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose St. Louis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($98,701/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($121,054)
- ✓Larger job market (1,860 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Belton grew 25.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 25.8% growth in St. Louis over the same period.
Belton, MO
$72,853 (2024) → $91,222 (2025)
St. Louis, MO
$76,140 (2019) → $95,770 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Belton, MO
St. Louis, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Belton or St. Louis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Belton and St. Louis?
Should I relocate from Belton to St. Louis as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Belton vs St. Louis?
Related Comparisons
Written by Jordan Miller, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in occupational therapy. They specialize in pediatrics and work in a rehabilitation clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov