Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Lenexa, KS: $45.23 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Lenexa, KS runs $45.23 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $94,081 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Lenexa's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.76 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,451 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lenexa, Kansas, the occupational therapist hourly pay is projected to be $45.23 in 2026, which is slightly lower than the national hourly median of $49.71. This rate reflects the diverse work settings where occupational therapists operate, including hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and home health visits. For part-time therapists working three days a week, this translates into approximately $1,940 weekly, making this profession appealing for those seeking flexibility. Additionally, entry-level therapists can expect to earn around $31.47 per hour, while more experienced practitioners at the top of the pay scale could earn as much as $61.70 per hour. Overall, the hourly rates are derived from annual estimates based on 2025 BLS data and paint a clear picture of earnings in the profession.
About the Lenexa Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($85,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.47 | $251.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.23 | $289.80 |
| Median (P50) | $45.23 | $361.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.40 | $419.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.70 | $493.62 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lenexa
Based on $45.23/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.23/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lenexa, KS can expect to earn approximately $94,085 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,280. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lenexa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lenexa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,809.32 | $7,840 | $94,085 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,085.59 | $4,704 | $56,451 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $723.73 | $3,136 | $37,634 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Lenexa) | $45.23 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $33.15 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist (National Avg) | $43.80 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapists in Lenexa, KS earn a median of $94,081 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.01% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 0.10% above the Kansas state average of $93,987.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.23/hr = $56,451/year (purchasing power: $62,102).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $94,085/year (purchasing power: $103,504).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$37.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.89/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.23/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Lenexa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $37.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.18/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.89/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.23/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Lenexa grew 18.1% from $37.16/hr (2019) to $43.89/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.62/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lenexa 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.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapist in Lenexa
Analyzing the earning potential for different work arrangements reveals intriguing insights. A part-time occupational therapist working 24 hours a week could take home about $48,250 annually, significantly less than what a full-time therapist would earn based on a typical 40-hour full-time work schedule. Per diem occupational therapist pay in Lenexa can vary widely, with most therapists billing between $50 and $75 per hour for agency work, while certified hand therapists (CHTs) often secure $80 to $110 per hour in cash-pay practices. Furthermore, travel contracts can offer $1,800 to $2,800 weekly, indicating that flexible arrangements might present lucrative opportunities, albeit with the trade-off of lacking benefits. OTs in Lenexa may find that working in skilled nursing or outpatient settings typically offers lower hourly pay than per diem positions but provides health insurance and job security, making negotiation for hourly rates essential in a competitive market. As the field evolves, it's critical for therapists to consider their unique priorities when determining their employment path.
More salary data for Lenexa, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Lenexa in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Lenexa?
Are occupational therapists in Lenexa paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Lenexa?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Lenexa?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapists in Lenexa. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lenexa 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