Leawood vs Wichita: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Leawood, KS and Wichita, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Leawood, KS | Wichita, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $90,445 | $102,029▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $43.48 | $49.06▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,508 | $76,337▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $74,953 | $84,674▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $104,556 | $114,675▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $116,329 | $124,383▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 320▲ |
Verdict
Wichita, KS offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Leawood.
The salary gap between Leawood and Wichita is $11,584 (12.81%). Wichita's median is -1.33% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Leawood spans $46,821,Wichita spans $48,046. Wichita 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, Wichita ($114,709 effective) pays 15.29% more than Leawood ($99,499 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Leawood if…
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Wichita if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,029/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($124,383)
- ✓Larger job market (320 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $114,709)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Leawood grew 18.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.4% growth in Wichita over the same period.
Leawood, KS
$74,350 (2024) → $87,760 (2025)
Wichita, KS
$84,360 (2019) → $99,000 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Leawood, KS
Wichita, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Leawood or Wichita?
What is the hourly rate difference between Leawood and Wichita?
Should I relocate from Leawood to Wichita as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Leawood vs Wichita?
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