Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Overland Park, KS: $45.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Overland Park, KS runs $45.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $95,526 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Overland Park's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,313 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Overland Park, Kansas, the occupational therapist hourly pay is projected to reach $45.92 in 2026, which is slightly lower than the national median of $49.71 for this profession. This rate can be particularly advantageous for part-time and per-diem occupational therapists who often work in various settings such as hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. For a typical three-day workweek, OTs can expect to earn around $2,326 per week, making it a viable option for those seeking flexibility alongside a professional career. The hourly range for occupational therapists in the area varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $30.99, while highly experienced practitioners can move up to $63.44, reflecting varied options for individuals at different stages of their career.
About the Overland Park 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) | $30.99 | $247.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.16 | $289.31 |
| Median (P50) | $45.92 | $367.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.47 | $427.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.44 | $507.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Overland Park
Based on $45.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.92/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Overland Park, KS can expect to earn approximately $95,521 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,108. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Overland Park.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Overland Park
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,836.94 | $7,960 | $95,521 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,102.16 | $4,776 | $57,313 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $734.78 | $3,184 | $38,208 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Overland Park) | $45.92 |
| 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 Overland Park, KS earn a median of $95,526 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.62% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 1.60% above the Kansas state average of $94,022.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.92/hr = $57,313/year (purchasing power: $63,050).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $95,521/year (purchasing power: $105,084).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$37.73/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.56/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Overland Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.73/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.32/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.38/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.80/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.75/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.56/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.33/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Overland Park grew 18.1% from $37.73/hr (2019) to $44.56/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.33/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 Overland Park 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 Overland Park
Transitioning to the financial analysis of part-time and per-diem work, an occupational therapist working three days a week could potentially earn an annual income considerably lower than their full-time counterparts, as annual earnings would slightly exceed $121,000 for a standard full-time schedule. Per diem occupational therapists in Overland Park typically bill between $50 and $75 per hour, while those with certified hand therapy (CHT) credentials may command hourly rates from $80 to $110 in specialized cash-pay practices. Additionally, travel contracting can offer earnings ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 per week, particularly appealing for therapists seeking greater financial rewards and geographical mobility. Each employer type—be it skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, or home health—offers different hourly rates and benefits, creating a landscape where occupational therapists in Overland Park must often balance higher hourly wages without benefits against more standard rates with health insurance options. Negotiating pay and benefits becomes crucial in this profession, with a strategy that considers both immediate compensation and long-term job satisfaction.
More salary data for Overland Park, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Overland Park in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Overland Park?
Are occupational therapists in Overland Park paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Overland Park?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Overland Park?
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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 Overland Park. 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 Overland Park 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