Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Independence, MO: $48.79 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Independence, MO runs $48.79 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,480 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Independence's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $54.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,888 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Independence, MO, the projected hourly rate for an occupational therapist is estimated at $48.79 in 2026, which is slightly below the national hourly median of $49.71. This rate provides a solid income for both part-time professionals and per-diem workers in various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and rehabilitation hospitals. For part-time therapists working three days a week, this translates to a manageable work-life balance while still earning a competitive wage. Entry-level occupational therapists can expect to start at around $35.67 per hour, while experienced practitioners at the top end of the scale may reach up to $67.81 per hour. It's important to note that these hourly estimates are derived from annual salary data; the results reflect the earnings potential in a city where the cost of living index stands at 89.6, indicating affordability compared to the national average.
About the Independence Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.67 | $285.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.49 | $323.94 |
| Median (P50) | $48.79 | $390.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.97 | $447.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67.81 | $542.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Independence
Based on $48.79/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.79/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Independence, MO can expect to earn approximately $101,480 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,546. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Independence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Independence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,951.54 | $8,457 | $101,480 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,170.93 | $5,074 | $60,888 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $780.62 | $3,383 | $40,592 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Independence) | $48.79 |
| 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 Independence, MO earn a median of $101,480 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.86% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 2.10% above the Missouri state average of $99,393.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.79/hr = $60,888/year (purchasing power: $67,956).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,480/year (purchasing power: $113,259).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$40.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.79/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Independence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.71/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.38/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.97/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.47/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.79/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.28/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Independence grew 18.1% from $40.08/hr (2019) to $47.34/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.28/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 Independence 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 Independence
Occupational therapists in Independence have various opportunities to enhance their earning potential based on employment settings and practice types. Those working on a part-time basis, say for 24 hours a week, may find their annual take-home lower than full-time counterparts, yet it could still be substantial, allowing for flexibility and reduced stress. Per diem occupational therapist pay in the area can range from $50 to $75 per hour, with specialized hand therapists who hold CHT credentials able to command rates between $80 and $110 per hour, particularly in cash-pay practices. Moreover, travel contracts present a lucrative option, offering weekly earnings from $1,800 to $2,800. Each employment scenario, whether it’s a school district contract or home health agency, can influence hourly pay significantly. Practitioners must weigh the benefits of health insurance and other perks against potentially higher hourly rates without benefits. For those negotiating pay, knowing local market conditions and highlighting specialized skills can be advantageous, ensuring that they secure the best possible compensation in the bustling healthcare environment of Independence.
More salary data for Independence, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Independence in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Independence?
Are occupational therapists in Independence paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Independence?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Independence?
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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 Independence. 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 Independence 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