Independence vs St. Louis: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Independence, MO and St. Louis, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Independence, MO | St. Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,480▲ | $98,701 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.79▲ | $47.45 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,191 | $75,976▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $84,230▲ | $83,716 |
| 75th Percentile | $116,412▲ | $108,141 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $141,059▲ | $121,054 |
| Total Employed | 30 | 1,860▲ |
Verdict
Independence, MO offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to St. Louis.
The salary gap between Independence and St. Louis is $2,779 (2.82%). Independence's median is -1.86% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Independence spans $66,868,St. Louis spans $45,078. Independence has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Independence ($113,259 effective) pays 9.11% 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 Independence if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($101,480/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($141,059)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $113,259)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose St. Louis if…
- ✓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 Independence grew 25.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 25.8% growth in St. Louis over the same period.
Independence, MO
$78,639 (2024) → $98,467 (2025)
St. Louis, MO
$76,140 (2019) → $95,770 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Independence, MO
St. Louis, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Independence or St. Louis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Independence and St. Louis?
Should I relocate from Independence to St. Louis as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Independence vs St. Louis?
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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