Occupational Therapist Salary in Wildwood, MO: $98,648 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Wildwood, MO earns a median $98,648/year (≈ $47.43/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Wildwood's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.6), that paycheck buys what $110,098 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the Missouri state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, an occupational therapist salary in Wildwood is projected to hit a median annual figure of $98,648, which is slightly below the national average of $103,400. With a salary range spanning from $72,571 at the 10th percentile to $122,929 at the 90th percentile, these earnings reflect the diverse settings in which therapists may find themselves, whether in hospitals, schools, or skilled nursing facilities. The choice of work environment can significantly impact compensation, especially with the trade-offs between year-round positions and school-year contracts. These salary estimates are informed by 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local economic conditions in Wildwood, Missouri, suggesting that the local job market offers competitive, if varied, pay opportunities for certified occupational therapists.
About the Wildwood Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,571 | $34.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $81,629 | $39.25 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $98,648 | $47.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $111,852 | $53.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $122,929 | $59.10 |
Median Salary Position
4.6% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wildwood
In Wildwood, MO, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,358 (2026 est.). At $98,648, the local median is 4.6% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wildwood: You'd be above the median
How Wildwood Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Wildwood median: $98,648/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wildwood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $99,444 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -4.60% less |
Occupational Therapists in Wildwood, MO earn a median of $98,648 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.60% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 0.80% below the Missouri state average of $99,444.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wildwood 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.
Wildwood, MO has a cost-of-living index of 89.6 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $98,648 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $110,098 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$81,046
2025 BLS Actual
$95,719
2026 Current Est.
$98,648
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Wildwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $81,046 | Actual |
| 2020 | $82,315 | Actual |
| 2021 | $81,637 | Actual |
| 2022 | $88,898 | Actual |
| 2023 | $91,941 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,444 | Actual |
| 2025 | $95,719 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $98,648 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $101,667 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wildwood metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $81,046 (2019) to $95,719 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $101,667 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,621 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wildwood 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) | $72,571 – $81,629 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $81,629 – $98,648 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $98,648 – $111,852 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $111,852 – $122,929 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Wildwood
Currently, the job market in Wildwood employs five occupational therapists, indicating a modest yet stable presence in the region. The cost of living index rests at 89.6, suggesting that while salaries may not be on par with national figures, the purchasing power is enhanced when compared to the overall cost of living. Skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehab settings are likely to offer the best compensation due to their demand for specialized care and productivity benchmarks. The disparity in pay within the field often hinges on factors such as certification, particularly the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential, which can lead to market premiums, especially in outpatient settings. To maximize pay, aspiring therapists in Wildwood should consider obtaining advanced certifications and targeting roles in environments that typically offer higher salary scales, ensuring their skills remain competitive and sought after in this local landscape.
More salary data for Wildwood, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Wildwood, MO in 2026?
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Can occupational therapists make $100K in Wildwood?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Wildwood?
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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 $95,719 for occupational therapistsin the Wildwood 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 Wildwood 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