Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Jefferson City, MO: $47.13 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Jefferson City, MO runs $47.13 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $98,020 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Jefferson City's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.0, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $53.57 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,817 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the occupational therapist hourly pay in Jefferson City, MO, is projected to be $47.13, which falls below the national hourly median of $49.71. This hourly wage is significant for those seeking part-time opportunities, such as working three days a week, as it provides a solid income even with a reduced schedule. For per-diem occupational therapists, frequently contracted in settings like hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home health visits, the pay can vary widely. Entry-level OTs may start around $26.20, while top earners can make up to $57.36 per hour, reflecting the diverse hourly range available in this profession within Jefferson City, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.20 | $209.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.03 | $296.24 |
| Median (P50) | $47.13 | $377.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.16 | $401.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.36 | $458.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Jefferson City
Based on $47.13/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.13/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Jefferson City, MO can expect to earn approximately $98,029 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,555. With a cost-of-living index of 87.97 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Jefferson City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Jefferson City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,885.17 | $8,169 | $98,029 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,131.10 | $4,901 | $58,817 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $754.07 | $3,268 | $39,212 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Jefferson City) | $47.13 |
| 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 Jefferson City, MO earn a median of $98,020 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.20% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 1.40% below the Missouri state average of $99,412.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.13/hr = $58,817/year (purchasing power: $66,857).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $98,029/year (purchasing power: $111,428).
CoL index: 87.975 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$37.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.13/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Jefferson City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.30/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $37.71/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.77/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.86/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.24/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.13/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Jefferson City grew 22.6% from $37.30/hr (2019) to $45.73/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.57/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 Jefferson City 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 Jefferson City
When examining the financial aspect of part-time work, a three-day-per-week occupational therapist would earn approximately $59,246 annually, compared to a full-time therapist's total of around $98,020. For per-diem positions, hourly rates can reach $50-$75, with certified hand therapists (CHTs) commanding even higher rates, sometimes hitting $80-$110, especially in cash-pay practices. Employers in Jefferson City, such as skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics, often have varied pay scales influenced by funding and operational costs. While some OTs may accept lower hourly rates for the health benefits they receive from full-time employment, others may prefer higher pay without benefits for greater take-home earnings. Negotiation strategies for hourly positions should focus on highlighting specialized credentials, like CHT certification, and understanding local market rates to secure a favorable contract.
More salary data for Jefferson City, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Jefferson City in 2026?
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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 Jefferson City. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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