Occupational Therapist Salary in Branson, MO: $92,406 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Branson, MO earns a median $92,406/year (≈ $44.43/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Branson's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.6), that paycheck buys what $103,132 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.1% below the Missouri state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, occupational therapists in Branson, Missouri, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $92,406, reflecting a competitive wage in the regional job market. The salary range demonstrates a healthy variation, with earnings for early career professionals at approximately $72,338 (P10) and seasoned therapists potentially commanding up to $114,577 (P90). These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost-of-living factors. For therapists considering advanced certifications, such as becoming a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), this specialty can significantly boost earning potential—a critical factor for those looking to enhance their occupational therapist pay in Branson, MO. The presence of a small number of employed therapists in the area indicates that opportunities may be selective but potentially rewarding.
About the Branson Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,338 | $34.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $79,483 | $38.21 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $92,406 | $44.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $104,788 | $50.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $114,577 | $55.09 |
Median Salary Position
10.63% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Branson
In Branson, MO, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,239 (2026 est.). At $92,406, the local median is 10.63% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Branson: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Branson Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Branson median: $92,406/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Branson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $99,468 | -7.10% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -10.63% less |
Occupational Therapists in Branson, MO earn a median of $92,406 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.63% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 7.10% below the Missouri state average of $99,468.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Branson 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.
Branson, MO has a cost-of-living index of 89.6 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $92,406 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $103,132 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$75,917
2025 BLS Actual
$89,662
2026 Current Est.
$92,406
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Branson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $75,917 | Actual |
| 2020 | $77,106 | Actual |
| 2021 | $76,471 | Actual |
| 2022 | $83,272 | Actual |
| 2023 | $86,123 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,607 | Actual |
| 2025 | $89,662 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $92,406 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $95,233 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Branson metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $75,917 (2019) to $89,662 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $95,233 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,316 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Branson 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) | $72,338 – $79,483 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $79,483 – $92,406 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $92,406 – $104,788 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $104,788 – $114,577 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Branson
With only four occupational therapists currently working in Branson, the job market displays a unique dynamic that can influence compensation. The local cost of living, indicated by a relatively low index of 89.6, allows for improved purchasing power, creating a compelling environment for new graduates and established professionals alike. Among employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation typically offer the highest salaries, while roles in school districts and outpatient clinics might yield lower pay. Factors contributing to salary disparities include workplace setting, specialty certifications, and demand fluctuations in various therapy services. For occupational therapists in Branson, pursuing board certifications like CHT and seeking positions in higher-paying environments can be effective strategies for maximizing their salary potential and adapting to the local market's demands.
More salary data for Branson, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Branson, MO in 2026?
Is Branson, MO a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Branson?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Branson?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Branson?
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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 $89,662 for occupational therapistsin the Branson 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 Branson 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