St. Louis vs Independence: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between St. Louis, MO and Independence, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | St. Louis, MO | Independence, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $98,701 | $101,480▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.45 | $48.79▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,976▲ | $74,191 |
| 25th Percentile | $83,716 | $84,230▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $108,141 | $116,412▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $121,054 | $141,059▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,860▲ | 30 |
Verdict
Independence, MO offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to St. Louis.
The salary gap between St. Louis and Independence 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 St. Louis spans $45,078,Independence spans $66,868. Independence 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, 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 St. Louis if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,860 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
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
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in St. Louis grew 25.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 25.2% growth in Independence over the same period.
St. Louis, MO
$76,140 (2019) → $95,770 (2025)
Independence, MO
$78,639 (2024) → $98,467 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
St. Louis, MO
Independence, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: St. Louis or Independence?
What is the hourly rate difference between St. Louis and Independence?
Should I relocate from St. Louis to Independence as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in St. Louis vs Independence?
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