Occupational Therapist Salary in Chesterfield, MO: $98,549 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Chesterfield, MO earns a median $98,549/year (≈ $47.38/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Chesterfield's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.6), that paycheck buys what $109,988 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Missouri state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chesterfield, Missouri, the anticipated median annual salary for occupational therapists stands at $98,549 in 2026, reflecting a modest 4.69% lower than the national median of $103,400 for the same year. While the salary range for practitioners in the area varies considerably—from $72,433 at the 10th percentile to $122,623 at the 90th percentile—these figures must be viewed in light of recent cuts to Medicare rates impacting skilled nursing facilities and outpatient care, which could influence compensation levels for these roles. This local salary data is derived from state-level estimates and adjusted for regional price parities, bringing a clearer picture of the economic context surrounding occupational therapy careers in Chesterfield.
About the Chesterfield Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,433 | $34.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $81,419 | $39.14 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $98,549 | $47.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $113,832 | $54.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $122,623 | $58.95 |
Median Salary Position
4.69% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chesterfield
In Chesterfield, MO, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,190 (2026 est.). At $98,549, the local median is 4.69% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chesterfield: You'd be above the median
How Chesterfield Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Chesterfield median: $98,549/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chesterfield Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $99,444 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -4.69% less |
Occupational Therapists in Chesterfield, MO earn a median of $98,549 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.69% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 0.90% below the Missouri state average of $99,444.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chesterfield 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.
Chesterfield, MO has a cost-of-living index of 89.6 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $98,549 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $109,988 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$80,965
2025 BLS Actual
$95,623
2026 Current Est.
$98,549
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Chesterfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $80,965 | Actual |
| 2020 | $82,232 | Actual |
| 2021 | $81,555 | Actual |
| 2022 | $88,808 | Actual |
| 2023 | $91,849 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,368 | Actual |
| 2025 | $95,623 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $98,549 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $101,565 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chesterfield metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $80,965 (2019) to $95,623 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $101,565 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,600 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chesterfield 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) | $72,433 – $81,419 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $81,419 – $98,549 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $98,549 – $113,832 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $113,832 – $122,623 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Chesterfield
The job market for occupational therapists in Chesterfield is relatively compact, with only 10 occupational therapists currently employed in the area, highlighting a potentially high level of competition for positions. The cost of living index for Chesterfield, at 89.6, indicates that residents might find their purchasing power somewhat enhanced compared to national averages, which could partially compensate for the lower median salary. Employers that tend to offer higher compensation include hospital inpatient rehabilitation facilities, which often have the capacity for better pay structures, compared to schools or skilled nursing facilities. Variations in pay primarily result from differing productivity expectations and settings whereby certified hand therapists holding a CHT credential can command a premium. To maximize earnings in Chesterfield, occupational therapists may consider seeking employment in hospital settings, obtaining additional certifications, and negotiating contract terms that reflect year-round work, diverging from the often more limited school-year contracts.
More salary data for Chesterfield, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Chesterfield, MO in 2026?
Is Chesterfield, MO a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Chesterfield?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Chesterfield?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Chesterfield?
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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 $95,623 for occupational therapistsin the Chesterfield 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 Chesterfield 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