Occupational Therapist Salary in Springfield, MO: $76,408 (2026)

Occupational Therapist Pay in Springfield: What to Expect (2026)

Springfield offers a median occupational therapist salary of $76,408, which is $5,590 below the Missouri state average of $81,998. Compared to the national median of $93,180, Springfield pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Springfield's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $76,408 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $93,180 in an average-cost city. This makes Springfield an attractive option for occupational therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for occupational therapists in Springfield spans from $50,840 at the 10th percentile to $104,558 at the 90th percentile — a $53,718 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $52,480, while senior occupational therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $98,400. With a population of 169,176, Springfield is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Springfield by Experience

In Springfield, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $52,480, while experienced professionals earn up to $98,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$52,480

$-11,520 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$76,260

$-16,740 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$98,400

$-21,600 vs national

Percentile	Springfield	MO State	National
10th Percentile	$50,840	$54,560	$62,000
25th Percentile	$63,304	$67,936	$77,200
Median (50th)	$76,408	$81,998	$93,180
75th Percentile	$90,036	$96,624	$109,800
90th Percentile	$104,558	$112,209	$127,510

Percentile

Springfield

10th Percentile

$50,840

25th Percentile

$63,304

Median (50th)

$76,408

75th Percentile

$90,036

90th Percentile

$104,558

How to Become a Occupational Therapist in Springfield

Education

Most occupational therapist positions require a master's degree. Springfield and the surrounding Missouri area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Therapeutic ActivitiesPatient AssessmentAdaptive EquipmentDocumentationRehabilitationCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, occupational therapist employment is projected to grow 12% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Springfield may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Springfield

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in Springfield, MO? ▼

The median occupational therapist salary in Springfield, Missouri is $76,408 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $93,180. Salaries range from $50,840 (10th percentile) to $104,558 (90th percentile).

How much does a Occupational Therapist make per hour in Springfield? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $76,408, a occupational therapist in Springfield earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Springfield compare to the Missouri state average for occupational therapist pay? ▼

Springfield's median occupational therapist salary of $76,408 is 6.8% below the Missouri state average of $81,998. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Springfield, MO? ▼

Springfield has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapist salary of $76,408 in Springfield has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapist in Springfield? ▼

Most occupational therapist positions in Springfield require a master's degree. Key skills include Therapeutic Activities, Patient Assessment, Adaptive Equipment, Documentation. The job market is projected to grow 12% nationally over the next decade.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Springfield, Missouri