Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Columbia, MO: $57,570 (2026)

Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)

Columbia offers a median occupational therapy assistant salary of $57,570, which is $0 above the Missouri state average of $57,570. Compared to the national median of $65,420, Columbia pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Columbia's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $57,570 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $65,420 in an average-cost city. This makes Columbia an attractive option for occupational therapy assistants seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for occupational therapy assistants in Columbia spans from $36,960 at the 10th percentile to $80,960 at the 90th percentile — a $44,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,720, while senior occupational therapy assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $77,440. With a population of 126,254, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level occupational therapy assistant earns around $38,720, while experienced professionals earn up to $77,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$38,720

$-5,280 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$58,080

$-7,920 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$77,440

$-10,560 vs national

Percentile	Columbia	MO State	National
10th Percentile	$36,960	$36,960	$42,000
25th Percentile	$45,760	$45,760	$52,000
Median (50th)	$57,570	$57,570	$65,420
75th Percentile	$70,400	$70,400	$80,000
90th Percentile	$80,960	$80,960	$92,000

Percentile

Columbia

10th Percentile

$36,960

25th Percentile

$45,760

Median (50th)

$57,570

75th Percentile

$70,400

90th Percentile

$80,960

How to Become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in Columbia

Education

Most occupational therapy assistant positions require a associate's degree. Columbia and the surrounding Missouri area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Therapeutic ExercisesPatient CareDocumentationCommunicationAdaptabilityCompassion

Job Outlook

Nationally, occupational therapy assistant employment is projected to grow 25% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Columbia

How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make in Columbia, MO? ▼

The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Columbia, Missouri is $57,570 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $65,420. Salaries range from $36,960 (10th percentile) to $80,960 (90th percentile).

How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make per hour in Columbia? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $57,570, a occupational therapy assistant in Columbia earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Columbia compare to the Missouri state average for occupational therapy assistant pay? ▼

Columbia's median occupational therapy assistant salary of $57,570 is 0.0% above the Missouri state average of $57,570. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

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

Columbia has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapy assistant salary of $57,570 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapy assistant in Columbia? ▼

Most occupational therapy assistant positions in Columbia require a associate's degree. Key skills include Therapeutic Exercises, Patient Care, Documentation, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 25% nationally over the next decade.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Columbia, Missouri