Occupational Therapist Salary in Ballwin, MO: $95,301 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Ballwin, MO earns a median $95,301/year (≈ $45.82/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Ballwin's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.6), that paycheck buys what $106,363 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.2% below the Missouri state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in Ballwin, Missouri, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $95,301 in 2026, positioning the city's pay scale slightly below the national median of $103,400. The salary range for these professionals extends from $69,744 at the 10th percentile to $121,834 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the disparities based on specific work environments. Occupational therapists in Ballwin have the option to work in various settings, including hospitals, schools, and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), which can significantly influence their earnings. The consideration of year-round versus school-year contracts also impacts potential income. These salary estimates are based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost factors, and reveal a competitive local market as the demand for qualified therapists continues to grow.
About the Ballwin Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,744 | $33.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $78,513 | $37.75 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $95,301 | $45.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $109,719 | $52.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $121,834 | $58.58 |
Median Salary Position
7.83% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ballwin
In Ballwin, MO, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $52,090 (2026 est.). At $95,301, the local median is 7.83% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ballwin: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ballwin Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Ballwin median: $95,301/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ballwin Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $99,479 | -4.20% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -7.83% less |
Occupational Therapists in Ballwin, MO earn a median of $95,301 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.83% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 4.20% below the Missouri state average of $99,479.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ballwin has a cost of living 10.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ballwin, MO has a cost-of-living index of 89.6 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $95,301 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $106,363 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$78,296
2025 BLS Actual
$92,471
2026 Current Est.
$95,301
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Ballwin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $78,296 | Actual |
| 2020 | $79,522 | Actual |
| 2021 | $78,867 | Actual |
| 2022 | $85,881 | Actual |
| 2023 | $88,821 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,850 | Actual |
| 2025 | $92,471 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $95,301 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $98,217 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ballwin metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $78,296 (2019) to $92,471 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $98,217 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,921 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ballwin 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) | $69,744 – $78,513 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $78,513 – $95,301 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $95,301 – $109,719 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $109,719 – $121,834 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Ballwin
With only four occupational therapists currently employed in Ballwin, the local job market presents unique dynamics affecting compensation. The cost-of-living index in the area stands at 89.6, indicating that while salaries may be lower than the national average, earning power is relatively magnified due to reduced living expenses. Skilled nursing facilities and inpatient rehab hospitals tend to offer higher salaries compared to outpatient clinics and school district contracts, which may limit annual earnings. The disparity in pay reflects various factors, including certification stipends such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential and productivity expectations that often accompany certain settings. For occupational therapists aiming to maximize their income in Ballwin, seeking employment in institutions with higher pay scales, pursuing CHT certification, or negotiating contracts that facilitate year-round work can enhance overall compensation.
More salary data for Ballwin, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Ballwin, MO in 2026?
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Can occupational therapists make $100K in Ballwin?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Ballwin?
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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 $92,471 for occupational therapistsin the Ballwin 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 Ballwin 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