Entry-Level Occupational Therapist Salary in Derby, KS: $67,339 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapists entering the Derby, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $67,339 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1122, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Derby's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $74,080 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($92,685) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the field of occupational therapy in Derby, Kansas, can expect to begin their careers with starting salaries around $67,339 in 2026. This figure, representing approximately 72% of the city's median annual salary of $92,685 for occupational therapists, is an important consideration for those just launching their careers. While the initial pay may appear modest, the growth trajectory within the profession is promising. Over the first three to five years, entry-level therapists can rise from the 10th percentile to the 25th percentile earnings, potentially reaching $75,996 as they gain experience. With anticipated annual job growth at 3.06%, Derby currently offers a supportive market for new graduates looking to establish themselves professionally.
About the Derby Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($85,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Derby
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Derby
Entry-level occupational therapists in Derby, KS typically start between $67,339 and $75,996 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $50,576 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $92,685 — 10.36% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Kansas of $75,000 represents just 111.38% of the starting occupational therapist pay ($67,339/year) in Derby. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACOTE-accredited Master's and Doctoral occupational therapy programs. Tuition varies between public in-state and private institution programs; MOT programs typically run 2-3 years post-bachelor's.
OT, OTR Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Derby
- 1Research the Derby market: entry-level occupational therapist pay ranges from $67,339 to $75,996, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the occupational therapy field — employers in KS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Derby, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Derby for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Derby's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Occupational Therapist Compensation Range
The occupational therapist wage spread in Derby is $50,576 ( 75.11%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $67,339, experienced hygienists can earn up to $117,915.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$51,769
2025 BLS Actual
$65,340
2026 Current Est.
$67,339
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Derby (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,769 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,252 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,305 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,711 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,434 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,818 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,340 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,339 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,400 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Derby, KS grew 26.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $51,769 in 2019 to $65,340 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $69,400. New graduates entering the Derby job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Derby metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.06% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your occupational therapy Career in Derby
As new grads transition into their first roles, various employers in Derby, such as local hospital systems and school districts, actively recruit entry-level occupational therapists. Hospitals often have residency programs that help recent graduates earn specialty certifications, which can enhance their qualifications and earning potential. School districts typically offer summer-off contracts, ideal for new practitioners. Furthermore, obtaining critical credentials like a Master's (MOT) or Doctorate (OTD) from an ACOTE-accredited program, passing the NBCOT national exam, and acquiring a state license are essential for career advancement. In the initial years, new graduates should consider pursuing optional board certifications such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential to command higher salaries. Realistic salary growth expectations in Derby indicate that early-career professionals, once they've established a solid foundation, may experience significant increases as they develop their skills and pursue ongoing continuing education opportunities in this dynamic field.
More salary data for Derby, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapists in Derby in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapist salaries grow in Derby?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Derby?
What do new occupational therapists make right out of school in Derby?
How do I become a occupational therapist in Kansas?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new occupational therapy graduates. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Derby. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Derby is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.06%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapists (SOC 29-1122).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov