Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Lee's Summit, MO: $47.39 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Lee's Summit, MO runs $47.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $98,563 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Lee's Summit's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $52.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,139 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lee's Summit, Missouri, the occupational therapist hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $47.39 in 2026, slightly below the national hourly median of $49.71. This figure translates into robust earning potential for those working part-time or per diem, especially in settings such as hospital rehabilitation units and school therapy rooms. For an occupational therapist working three days a week, the hourly rate allows for a flexible schedule while still generating a respectable income. The range for occupational therapist hourly rates in Lee's Summit spans from $33.84 at the entry-level to an impressive $64.82 for top earners, providing ample opportunity for growth within various therapy environments, including outpatient clinics and home health settings. It's essential to recognize that these hourly pay estimates derive from annual salary data, reflecting the value of specialized and flexible care professionals in the community.
About the Lee's Summit 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) | $33.84 | $270.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.72 | $309.76 |
| Median (P50) | $47.39 | $379.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56.61 | $452.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.82 | $518.60 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lee's Summit
Based on $47.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.39/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lee's Summit, MO can expect to earn approximately $98,565 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,864. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lee's Summit.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lee's Summit
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,895.48 | $8,214 | $98,565 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,137.29 | $4,928 | $59,139 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $758.19 | $3,285 | $39,426 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Lee's Summit) | $47.39 |
| 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 Lee's Summit, MO earn a median of $98,563 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.68% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 0.90% below the Missouri state average of $99,459.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.39/hr = $59,139/year (purchasing power: $66,003).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $98,565/year (purchasing power: $110,006).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$38.93/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.39/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Lee's Summit (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.93/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.54/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.70/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Lee's Summit grew 18.1% from $38.93/hr (2019) to $45.98/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.84/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 Lee's Summit 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 Lee's Summit
For those working part-time at 24 hours a week, an occupational therapist in Lee's Summit could expect to take home around $53,787 annually, a substantial difference when compared to the full-time potential of $98,563. In the realm of per diem work, occupational therapists often command rates between $50 and $75 per hour, with Certified Hand Therapists typically earning even higher, at $80 to $110 per hour in specialized practices. Travel OT contracts can fetch between $1,800 and $2,800 a week. The variability in hourly rates typically reflects the type of employer, with skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics generally offering lower hourly wages compared to home health agencies or high-demand travel positions. This trade-off often influences therapists' decisions, as some opt for lower pay in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others might pursue higher hourly rates without health coverage. Negotiating your salary in Lee's Summit, especially in the per diem space, is crucial. Highlighting certifications such as the CHT can bolster your bargaining power as you explore opportunities that align with your career goals in occupational therapy.
More salary data for Lee's Summit, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Lee's Summit in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Lee's Summit?
Are occupational therapists in Lee's Summit paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Lee's Summit?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Lee's Summit?
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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 Lee's Summit. 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 Lee's Summit 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