Kansas City vs Springfield: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Kansas City, MO and Springfield, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kansas City, MO | Springfield, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,895▲ | $100,174 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.47▲ | $48.16 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,059 | $73,915▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $85,519▲ | $81,108 |
| 75th Percentile | $111,336▲ | $110,418 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $126,723 | $127,650▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,360▲ | 270 |
Verdict
Kansas City, MO offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Springfield.
The salary gap between Kansas City and Springfield is $2,721 (2.72%). Kansas City's median is -0.49% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kansas City spans $53,664,Springfield spans $53,735. Springfield 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, Springfield ($113,082 effective) pays 1.71% more than Kansas City ($111,186 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kansas City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,895/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,360 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($127,650)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $113,082)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Kansas City grew 22.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.1% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Kansas City, MO
$81,480 (2019) → $99,840 (2025)
Springfield, MO
$82,280 (2019) → $97,200 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kansas City, MO
Springfield, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Kansas City or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kansas City and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Kansas City to Springfield as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Kansas City vs Springfield?
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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