Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Sedalia, MO: $45.90 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Sedalia, MO runs $45.90 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $95,472 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Sedalia's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $51.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,287 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sedalia, Missouri, the projected occupational therapist hourly pay for 2026 is $45.90, which is about 7.67% lower than the national median hourly rate of $49.71. This hourly rate offers a solid income potential for both part-time workers, who may typically work three days a week, generating a steady income, and per-diem therapists looking for flexible hours in various settings such as rehabilitation hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. Entry-level occupational therapists can expect to earn around $34.78 per hour, while those at the higher end of the pay spectrum can make $55.43 per hour, reflecting the variability in experience and specializations across the field.
About the Sedalia 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) | $34.78 | $278.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.50 | $308.03 |
| Median (P50) | $45.90 | $367.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.13 | $409.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.43 | $443.41 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sedalia
Based on $45.90/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.90/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sedalia, MO can expect to earn approximately $95,478 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,084. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sedalia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sedalia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,836.12 | $7,957 | $95,478 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,101.67 | $4,774 | $57,287 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $734.45 | $3,183 | $38,191 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Sedalia) | $45.90 |
| 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 Sedalia, MO earn a median of $95,472 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.67% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 4.00% below the Missouri state average of $99,450.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.90/hr = $57,287/year (purchasing power: $63,936).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $95,478/year (purchasing power: $106,560).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$37.71/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.54/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.90/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Sedalia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.71/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.78/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.54/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.90/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.31/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Sedalia grew 18.1% from $37.71/hr (2019) to $44.54/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.31/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 Sedalia 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 Sedalia
With a 3.06% projected growth rate, opportunities for occupational therapists in Sedalia are evolving. For part-time therapists working 24 hours a week, their annual earnings would be approximately $57,192, significantly less than full-time counterparts. Per diem occupational therapists often see billing rates from $50 to $75 an hour, with specialized hand therapists, especially those with the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential, demanding between $80 and $110 per hour. Travel OTs can earn from $1,800 to $2,800 weekly, showing the potential for increased pay in flexible roles. It's essential for OTs in Sedalia to consider employer types when job searching, as hourly rates can vary widely across skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, or school programs. Some opt for lower hourly pay in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others may prioritize higher hourly wages. Negotiating offers is key in this market, so understanding the local dynamics can provide leverage when discussing compensation.
More salary data for Sedalia, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Sedalia in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Sedalia?
Are occupational therapists in Sedalia paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Sedalia?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Sedalia?
Related Pages
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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 Sedalia. 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 Sedalia 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