Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Kansas City, MO: $49.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Kansas City, MO runs $49.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $102,895 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Kansas City's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.5, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $53.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,737 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Kansas City, Missouri, the occupational therapist hourly pay stands at $49.47, which is slightly below the national median of $49.71. This hourly figure holds significant relevance for both part-time professionals working three days a week and per-diem occupational therapists, who may operate in various settings such as hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, school therapy rooms, and outpatient clinics. With an hourly range spanning from $35.12 for entry-level therapists to $60.92 for top earners, it illustrates the potential for financial growth within this field, particularly for those who may specialize in areas like hand therapy or early intervention services. These statistics are derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, providing a reliable glimpse into the evolving economic landscape for occupational therapists in this region.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.12 | $280.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.12 | $328.97 |
| Median (P50) | $49.47 | $395.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.53 | $428.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.92 | $487.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kansas City
Based on $49.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.47/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kansas City, MO can expect to earn approximately $102,895 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,363. With a cost-of-living index of 92.54 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kansas City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kansas City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,978.75 | $8,575 | $102,895 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,187.25 | $5,145 | $61,737 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $791.50 | $3,430 | $41,158 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Kansas City) | $49.47 |
| 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 Kansas City, MO earn a median of $102,895 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.49% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 3.50% above the Missouri state average of $99,416.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.47/hr = $61,737/year (purchasing power: $66,712).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $102,895/year (purchasing power: $111,186).
CoL index: 92.543 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$39.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.47/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Kansas City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.98/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Kansas City grew 22.5% from $39.17/hr (2019) to $48.00/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.98/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 Kansas 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 Kansas City
Part-time occupational therapists in Kansas City, working 24 hours a week, can expect to take home approximately $61,973 annually, a substantial income for those balancing work and other commitments. Per diem occupational therapist pay in Kansas City often ranges from $50 to $75 per hour, with CHT-credentialed hand therapists commanding even higher rates, reaching $80 to $110 in cash-pay practices. Travel contracts can also be lucrative, averaging between $1,800 and $2,800 per week, appealing to many professionals seeking flexibility and higher earnings. However, different employer types can significantly impact hourly rates; skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics may offer varied compensation based on the funding models used and demand for services. Occupational therapists often confront the choice between lower hourly wages with comprehensive benefits or higher pay with less security. For those seeking to negotiate their hourly pay, understanding the local market and articulating value based on experience and specialty can play a critical role in achieving desired outcomes.
More salary data for Kansas City, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Kansas City in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Kansas City?
Are occupational therapists in Kansas City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Kansas City?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Kansas City?
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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 Kansas 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, 7-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