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Average Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary in St. Louis, MO-IL

Occupational Therapy Assistants in St. Louis, MO-IL earn an average annual salary of $62,480. This figure is notably below the national average of $69,310, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially regional demand influence compensation. While the cost of living in St. Louis is right at the national average, the salary differential warrants closer examination of the local job market.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $62,480 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 9.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $75,130.
  • Outlook: The St. Louis, MO-IL metropolitan area supports a robust workforce of 660 Occupational Therapy Assistants. With a Location Quotient of 1.59, the concentration of these professionals is significantly higher than the national average, indicating a strong and established presence within the region's healthcare sector. This elevated quotient suggests a healthy demand and a well-developed ecosystem for occupational therapy services.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$62,480

The average Occupational Therapy Assistants in St. Louis, MO-IL earns-9.9%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$30

Weekly

$1,202

Monthly

$5,207

Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary Distribution in St. Louis, MO-IL

Career progression for Occupational Therapy Assistants in St. Louis, MO-IL is typically marked by increasing salary potential. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced professionals with specialized skills or supervisory roles can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this growth, with senior OTAs earning substantially more than their junior counterparts.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$47,830$23
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$46,860$22.5
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$63,010$30.3
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$78,100$37.5
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$75,130$36.1

Detailed Occupational Therapy Assistants Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$62,480

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$62,480

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $62,480 in St. Louis, MO-IL aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an OTA's salary in St. Louis is equivalent to the national average, making it a stable financial environment for professionals considering a move to the area.

Job Market Context

660

Total Jobs

0.494

Per 1K Jobs

1.59

Location Quotient

Major Hub

St. Louis, MO-IL has 1.6x 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.

The Location Quotient of 1.59 for Occupational Therapy Assistants in St. Louis, MO-IL signifies a market with a higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This suggests a competitive yet potentially abundant job market, where employers may have a strong pool of local talent to draw from, while opportunities for skilled individuals remain plentiful.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Occupational Therapy Assistants

CitySalaryDist.
Springfield, IL Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary$67,480↑ 8%84 mi

Comparing salaries near St. Louis, MO-IL

Hiring Occupational Therapy Assistantss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistants make in St. Louis, MO-IL?

The median annual salary for a Occupational Therapy Assistants in St. Louis, MO-IL is $62,480. This typically ranges from $47,830 for entry-level positions to $75,130 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in St. Louis, MO-IL is 9.9% lower than the national median of $69,310.

Is St. Louis, MO-IL a lucrative place for Occupational Therapy Assistants?

No, not when compared to the national average salary.While the cost of living is average, the $62,480 average salary is below the national benchmark of $69,310. The high concentration of OTAs suggests a competitive market despite the average cost of living.

Is St. Louis, MO-IL a good place to live for Occupational Therapy Assistants?

The Cost of Living Index in St. Louis, MO-IL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near St. Louis, MO-IL?

Some top paying nearby cities include Springfield, IL ($67,480) and others.

How does the St. Louis OTA salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Occupational Therapy Assistants in St. Louis, MO-IL is $62,480, which is lower than the national average of $69,310.

What is the Cost of Living in St. Louis, MO-IL for OTAs?

The Cost of Living Index in St. Louis, MO-IL is 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating a neutral cost of living.

How concentrated is the OTA job market in St. Louis?

St. Louis has a higher concentration of Occupational Therapy Assistants than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 1.59.

How many OTAs are there in St. Louis?

There are approximately 660 Occupational Therapy Assistants working in the St. Louis, MO-IL 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 660 employees in the St. Louis, MO-IL area with a job density of 0.494 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Occupational Therapy Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in St. Louis, MO-IL