Kansas City vs St. Peters: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Kansas City, MO and St. Peters, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kansas City, MO | St. Peters, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,895▲ | $100,739 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.47▲ | $48.43 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,059▲ | $72,079 |
| 25th Percentile | $85,519▲ | $82,165 |
| 75th Percentile | $111,336 | $118,185▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $126,723 | $129,804▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,360▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Kansas City, MO offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to St. Peters.
The salary gap between Kansas City and St. Peters is $2,156 (2.14%). 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,St. Peters spans $57,725. St. Peters 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, St. Peters ($112,432 effective) pays 1.12% 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 St. Peters if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($129,804)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,432)
- ✓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 25.2% growth in St. Peters over the same period.
Kansas City, MO
$81,480 (2019) → $99,840 (2025)
St. Peters, MO
$78,064 (2024) → $97,748 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kansas City, MO
St. Peters, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Kansas City or St. Peters?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kansas City and St. Peters?
Should I relocate from Kansas City to St. Peters as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Kansas City vs St. Peters?
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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