Average Occupational Therapists Salary in Columbia, MO
The average salary for a Occupational Therapists in Columbia, MO is $90,740. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market. Notably, Columbia, MO is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 1.38x higher than average.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $90,740 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $116,190.
- Outlook: The current demand for Occupational Therapistss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 140 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Columbia, MO economy.
Salary Overview
The average Occupational Therapists in Columbia, MO earns-8.6%below the national average.
$43.6
$1,745
$7,562
Occupational Therapists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Occupational Therapists salaries in Columbia, MO have shown healthy growth of 19.8%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Occupational Therapists Salary Distribution in Columbia, MO
The earning potential for Occupational Therapistss in Columbia, MO varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $65,300, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $116,190.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $65,300 | $31.4 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $68,055 | $32.7 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $92,750 | $44.6 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $113,425 | $54.5 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $116,190 | $55.9 |
Detailed Occupational Therapists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$90,740
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$90,740
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Columbia, MO, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $90,740 to $90,740.
Job Market Context
140
Total Jobs
1.358
Per 1K Jobs
1.38
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.38, Columbia, MO has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Occupational Therapists roles compared to the national norm.
140 people work as Occupational Therapists in Columbia, MO.
1.358 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Occupational Therapists positions — a typical concentration.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Occupational Therapists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Jefferson City, MO Occupational Therapists Salary | $75,390↓ 17% | 27 mi |
| Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area Occupational Therapists Salary | $80,590↓ 11% | 34 mi |
| Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area Occupational Therapists Salary | $83,470↓ 8% | 34 mi |
| North Missouri nonmetropolitan area Occupational Therapists Salary | $91,470↑ 1% | 34 mi |
Comparing salaries near Columbia, MO
Hiring Occupational Therapistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Occupational Therapists make in Columbia, MO?
The median annual salary for a Occupational Therapists in Columbia, MO is $90,740. This typically ranges from $65,300 for entry-level positions to $116,190 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Columbia, MO is 8.6% lower than the national median of $99,240.
Is Columbia, MO a good place for Occupational Therapistss?
Yes, Columbia, MO is highly recommended due to strong job demand. While salaries are competitive ($90,740), the area is particularly notable for its high job density for Occupational Therapistss. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Columbia, MO a good place to live for Occupational Therapists?
The Cost of Living Index in Columbia, MO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Columbia, MO?
Some top paying nearby cities include Jefferson City, MO ($75,390) and Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 140 employees in the Columbia, MO area with a job density of 1.358 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Occupational Therapists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Columbia, MO