Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Shawnee, KS: $44.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Shawnee, KS runs $44.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $91,625 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Shawnee's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.46 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $54,972 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the occupational therapist hourly pay in Shawnee, Kansas is projected to be $44.05, which sits below the national median hourly rate of $49.71. For occupational therapists working part-time—often between three days a week or on a per-diem basis—this figure translates to several different opportunities in diverse environments, including hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, school therapy rooms, and home health visits. The hourly wage ranges significantly from $32.32 for entry-level positions to about $57.65 for the most experienced professionals. Such variation highlights the potential for part-time and per-diem work, making it a viable option for many occupational therapists seeking flexibility while still earning a competitive hourly rate by Shawnee standards.
About the Shawnee 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) | $32.32 | $258.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.52 | $292.20 |
| Median (P50) | $44.05 | $352.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.39 | $411.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.65 | $461.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Shawnee
Based on $44.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.05/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Shawnee, KS can expect to earn approximately $91,620 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $52,857. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Shawnee.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Shawnee
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,761.91 | $7,635 | $91,620 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,057.15 | $4,581 | $54,972 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $704.77 | $3,054 | $36,648 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Shawnee) | $44.05 |
| 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 Shawnee, KS earn a median of $91,625 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.39% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 2.50% below the Kansas state average of $93,975.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.05/hr = $54,972/year (purchasing power: $60,475).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $91,620/year (purchasing power: $100,792).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$36.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$42.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Shawnee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.75/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.69/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $42.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Shawnee grew 18.1% from $36.19/hr (2019) to $42.74/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.40/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 Shawnee 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 Shawnee
Exploring the earning potential of a part-time occupational therapist in Shawnee reveals distinct financial dynamics compared to full-time roles. Working 24 hours a week may yield an approximate annual take-home pay of around $54,393, significantly lower than a full-time colleague but still adequate for many. For those choosing per-diem occupational therapy, rates typically range from $50 to $75 per hour, with hand therapists holding CHT credentials often earning between $80 and $110 in cash-pay settings. Additionally, travel contracts can provide attractive weekly compensation, averaging $1,800 to $2,800. It’s essential for therapists to consider their setting: hourly rates can fluctuate significantly depending on the employer type—whether in skilled nursing, schools, or home health agencies. While some may accept lower pay for the added benefits, such as health insurance, others prioritize higher hourly wages without such perks. When negotiating, highlighting specialized skills or certifications can enhance bargaining power in this competitive market.
More salary data for Shawnee, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Shawnee in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Shawnee?
Are occupational therapists in Shawnee paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Shawnee?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Shawnee?
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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 Shawnee. 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 Shawnee 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