Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Kansas City, MO: $60,186 (2026)

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

Kansas City offers a median occupational therapy assistant salary of $60,186, which is $2,616 above the Missouri state average of $57,570. Compared to the national median of $65,420, Kansas City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Kansas City's cost of living is 92% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for occupational therapy assistants in Kansas City spans from $38,640 at the 10th percentile to $84,640 at the 90th percentile — a $46,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $40,480, while senior occupational therapy assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $80,960. As a major metro area with a population of 508,090, Kansas City typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Kansas City by Experience

In Kansas City, an entry-level occupational therapy assistant earns around $40,480, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,960 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$40,480

$-3,520 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$60,720

$-5,280 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$80,960

$-7,040 vs national

Percentile	Kansas City	MO State	National
10th Percentile	$38,640	$36,960	$42,000
25th Percentile	$47,840	$45,760	$52,000
Median (50th)	$60,186	$57,570	$65,420
75th Percentile	$73,600	$70,400	$80,000
90th Percentile	$84,640	$80,960	$92,000

Percentile

Kansas City

10th Percentile

$38,640

25th Percentile

$47,840

Median (50th)

$60,186

75th Percentile

$73,600

90th Percentile

$84,640

How to Become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in Kansas City

Education

Most occupational therapy assistant positions require a associate's degree. Kansas City 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 Kansas City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Kansas City

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

The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Kansas City, Missouri is $60,186 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $65,420. Salaries range from $38,640 (10th percentile) to $84,640 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $60,186, a occupational therapy assistant in Kansas City earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Kansas City's median occupational therapy assistant salary of $60,186 is 4.5% above the Missouri state average of $57,570. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Kansas City, MO? ▼

Kansas City has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapy assistant salary of $60,186 in Kansas City 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 Kansas City? ▼

Most occupational therapy assistant positions in Kansas City 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 Kansas City, Missouri