Kansas City vs Kirkwood: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Kansas City, MO and Kirkwood, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kansas City, MO | Kirkwood, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $73,047▲ | $64,043 |
| Hourly Rate | $35.12▲ | $30.79 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,152▲ | $46,991 |
| 25th Percentile | $65,469▲ | $54,993 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,747▲ | $69,645 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,821▲ | $77,643 |
| Total Employed | 400▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Kansas City, MO offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Kirkwood.
The salary gap between Kansas City and Kirkwood is $9,004 (14.06%). Kansas City's median is -1.73% compared to the US national median of $74,332.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kansas City spans $26,669,Kirkwood spans $30,652. Kirkwood has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapy assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Kansas City ($78,933 effective) pays 10.43% more than Kirkwood ($71,477 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kansas City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($73,047/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,821)
- ✓Larger job market (400 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $78,933)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Kirkwood if…
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Kansas City grew 19.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.1% growth in Kirkwood over the same period.
Kansas City, MO
$59,250 (2019) → $71,050 (2025)
Kirkwood, MO
$55,095 (2024) → $62,293 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kansas City, MO
Kirkwood, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Kansas City or Kirkwood?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kansas City and Kirkwood?
Should I relocate from Kansas City to Kirkwood as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Kansas City vs Kirkwood?
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Written by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as an occupational therapist. Their specialty is working with children with developmental disorders. They have worked in various healthcare settings including schools and rehabilitation facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.81% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapy assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov