Occupational Therapist Salary in Kansas City, KS: $103,550 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Kansas City, KS earns a median $103,550/year (≈ $49.79/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Kansas City's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $113,916 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 10.2% above the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in Kansas City, Kansas, earn a median annual salary of $103,550 in 2026, a figure that slightly surpasses the national median salary of $103,400. The projected pay range for this profession in the area spans from $69,882 at the tenth percentile to $136,365 at the ninetieth percentile. These estimates, based on 2025 BLS data, reflect local market conditions, particularly influenced by the settings in which therapists work—whether in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, or educational contexts. The choice between year-round or school-year contracts further impacts salary levels, making Kansas City an appealing option for those considering where to practice this rewarding profession.
About the Kansas City Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($85,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,882 | $33.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $81,538 | $39.20 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $103,550 | $49.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $120,563 | $57.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $136,365 | $65.56 |
Median Salary Position
0.15% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kansas City
In Kansas City, KS, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $66,483 (2026 est.). At $103,550, the local median is 0.15% above the national median of $103,400.
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At 40 hours/week in Kansas City: You'd be above the median
How Kansas City Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Kansas City median: $103,550/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kansas City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $93,965 | +10.20% more |
| National Average | $103,400 | +0.15% more |
Occupational Therapists in Kansas City, KS earn a median of $103,550 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.15% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 10.20% above the Kansas state average of $93,965.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kansas City has a cost of living 9.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kansas City, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $103,550 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $113,916 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$85,073
2025 BLS Actual
$100,475
2026 Current Est.
$103,550
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary 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 | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $85,073 | Actual |
| 2020 | $86,405 | Actual |
| 2021 | $85,694 | Actual |
| 2022 | $93,315 | Actual |
| 2023 | $96,509 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,534 | Actual |
| 2025 | $100,475 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $103,550 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $106,718 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kansas City metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $85,073 (2019) to $100,475 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $106,718 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,645 (25.44%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $69,882 – $81,538 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $81,538 – $103,550 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $103,550 – $120,563 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $120,563 – $136,365 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Kansas City
The local market for occupational therapists is relatively robust, with 25 professionals currently employed in the area. Kansas City's lower cost of living index, at 90.9, allows for greater purchasing power compared to many larger cities, making it an attractive location for therapy graduates seeking to establish their careers. Facilities in hospital inpatient rehab typically offer the highest wages in the region, followed by specialized services like outpatient hand therapy and mental health programs. Factors driving the variance in occupational therapist pay include expected productivity, the prevalence of board certifications like Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), and the impacts of healthcare reimbursements. For therapists looking to maximize their earnings in Kansas City, focusing on obtaining specialized credentials and targeting higher-paying settings can greatly enhance compensation potential.
More salary data for Kansas City, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Kansas City, KS in 2026?
Is Kansas City, KS a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Kansas City?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Kansas City?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $100,475 for occupational therapistsin the Kansas City metropolitan area. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kansas City 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