Average Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary in Columbia, MO
The average salary for Occupational Therapy Assistantss in Columbia, MO is $62,310. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Columbia, MO may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power. Notably, Columbia, MO is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 1.69x higher than average.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $62,310 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $71,480.
- Outlook: The current demand for Occupational Therapy Assistantss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 60 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Columbia, MO economy.
Salary Overview
The average Occupational Therapy Assistants in Columbia, MO earns-10.1%below the national average.
$30
$1,198
$5,193
Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 3 years, Occupational Therapy Assistants salaries in Columbia, MO have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 20.5%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary Distribution in Columbia, MO
The earning potential for Occupational Therapy Assistantss 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 $53,980, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $71,480.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $53,980 | $26 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $46,733 | $22.5 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $61,370 | $29.5 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $77,888 | $37.4 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $71,480 | $34.4 |
Detailed Occupational Therapy Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$62,310
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$62,310
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Columbia, MO, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $62,310 to $62,310.
Job Market Context
60
Total Jobs
0.524
Per 1K Jobs
1.69
Location Quotient
Columbia, MO has 1.7x the national concentration of Occupational Therapy Assistants jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
60 people work as Occupational Therapy Assistants in Columbia, MO.
Only 0.524 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Occupational Therapy Assistants roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Occupational Therapy Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary | $61,160↓ 2% | 34 mi |
Comparing salaries near Columbia, MO
Hiring Occupational Therapy Assistantss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistants make in Columbia, MO?
The median annual salary for a Occupational Therapy Assistants in Columbia, MO is $62,310. This typically ranges from $53,980 for entry-level positions to $71,480 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Columbia, MO is 10.1% lower than the national median of $69,310.
Is Columbia, MO a good place for Occupational Therapy Assistantss?
Yes, Columbia, MO is highly recommended due to strong job demand. While salaries are competitive ($62,310), the area is particularly notable for its high job density for Occupational Therapy Assistantss. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Columbia, MO a good place to live for Occupational Therapy Assistants?
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 Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area ($61,160) and others.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 60 employees in the Columbia, MO area with a job density of 0.524 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 Therapy Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Columbia, MO