Average Occupational Therapists Salary in Kansas City, MO-KS
Occupational Therapists in Kansas City, MO-KS earn an average annual salary of $94,070, which is slightly below the national average of $99,240. This localized compensation reflects a balanced interplay between regional demand for specialized healthcare services and the overall economic landscape of the metropolitan area. While not reaching the national benchmark, the Kansas City market offers a competitive environment for OTs.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $94,070 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $116,630.
- Outlook: The Kansas City, MO-KS metropolitan area supports a robust workforce of 1,360 Occupational Therapists. With a Location Quotient of 1.26, this indicates a concentration of OTs that is 26% higher than the national average, suggesting a strong and potentially growing demand for these professionals within the region's healthcare sector.
Salary Overview
The average Occupational Therapists in Kansas City, MO-KS earns-5.2%below the national average.
$45.2
$1,809
$7,839
Occupational Therapists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Occupational Therapists in Kansas City, MO-KS have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This upward trajectory is likely driven by increasing healthcare needs, advancements in therapeutic practices, and a sustained demand for skilled OTs.
Occupational Therapists Salary Distribution in Kansas City, MO-KS
The salary spectrum for Occupational Therapists in Kansas City, MO-KS widens significantly with experience. Entry-level practitioners typically start at the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive clinical experience and specialized skills command salaries in the higher percentiles. These percentile gaps are indicative of clear career progression pathways and the value placed on accumulated expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $65,410 | $31.4 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $70,553 | $33.9 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $97,790 | $47 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $117,588 | $56.5 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $116,630 | $56.1 |
Detailed Occupational Therapists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$94,070
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$94,070
Adjusted for COL (100)
An average annual salary of $94,070 in Kansas City, MO-KS aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an OT's salary in this region is comparable to the national standard, making it a financially stable location for professionals.
Job Market Context
1,360
Total Jobs
1.245
Per 1K Jobs
1.26
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.26, Kansas City, MO-KS has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Occupational Therapists roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.26 for Occupational Therapists in Kansas City, MO-KS signifies a market where these professionals are more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a healthy and active job market with a notable presence of OTs, potentially indicating both ample opportunities and a competitive environment for new entrants.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Occupational Therapists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lawrence, KS Occupational Therapists Salary | $95,690↑ 2% | 38 mi |
| St. Joseph, MO-KS Occupational Therapists Salary | $84,290↓ 10% | 47 mi |
| Topeka, KS Occupational Therapists Salary | $93,720↓ 0% | 60 mi |
Comparing salaries near Kansas City, MO-KS
Hiring Occupational Therapistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Occupational Therapists make in Kansas City, MO-KS?
The median annual salary for a Occupational Therapists in Kansas City, MO-KS is $94,070. This typically ranges from $65,410 for entry-level positions to $116,630 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Kansas City, MO-KS is 5.2% lower than the national median of $99,240.
Is Kansas City, MO-KS a lucrative place for Occupational Therapists?
Yes, it offers competitive compensation relative to its cost of living.With an average salary of $94,070 and a cost of living at the national average, Kansas City provides good financial stability for Occupational Therapists. The higher-than-average concentration of OTs also points to a strong job market.
Is Kansas City, MO-KS a good place to live for Occupational Therapists?
The Cost of Living Index in Kansas City, MO-KS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Kansas City, MO-KS?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lawrence, KS ($95,690) and St. Joseph, MO-KS.
How does the Kansas City OT salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Occupational Therapists in Kansas City, MO-KS is $94,070, which is slightly lower than the national average of $99,240.
What is the job market like for Occupational Therapists in Kansas City?
The job market is robust, with a concentration of OTs 26% higher than the national average (Location Quotient of 1.26), indicating strong demand and a significant presence of the profession.
Does the cost of living affect the value of an OT's salary in Kansas City?
No, the cost of living in Kansas City is at the national average (100), meaning the $94,070 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national standard.
How many Occupational Therapists are employed in Kansas City?
There are approximately 1,360 Occupational Therapists working within the Kansas City, MO-KS metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,360 employees in the Kansas City, MO-KS area with a job density of 1.245 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 Kansas City, MO-KS