Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Overland Park, KS: $46,176 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Overland Park, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $46,176 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Overland Park's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,799 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($68,672) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the profession of occupational therapy in Overland Park, KS, can expect an entry-level occupational therapy assistant salary that starts at around $46,176 in 2026. This figure represents the 10th percentile of reported salaries, creating a notable gap from the city's median salary of $68,672. For new COTAs, the trajectory from this starting point can be promising, moving through the 25th percentile at $56,186 and potentially reaching the median salary within three to five years of experience. As the field shows a projected annual growth rate of 2.81%, Overland Park appears to be a viable market for recent OTA graduates eager to begin their careers.
About the Overland Park Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Overland Park
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Overland Park
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Overland Park, KS typically start between $46,176 and $56,186 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $43,556 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $68,672 — 7.61% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Kansas of $14,000 represents just 30.32% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($46,176/year) in Overland Park. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACOTE-accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant associate degree programs. Tuition varies between community college and private technical school settings.
OTA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Overland Park
- 1Research the Overland Park market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $46,176 to $56,186, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the occupational therapy field — employers in KS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Overland Park, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Overland Park for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Overland Park's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Compensation Range
The occupational therapy assistant wage spread in Overland Park is $43,556 ( 94.33%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $46,176, experienced hygienists can earn up to $89,732.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$36,400
2025 BLS Actual
$44,914
2026 Current Est.
$46,176
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Overland Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,400 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,665 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,832 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,817 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,454 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,844 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,914 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,176 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,474 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Overland Park, KS grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,400 in 2019 to $44,914 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $47,474. New graduates entering the Overland Park job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Overland Park metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.81% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your occupational therapy Career in Overland Park
In Overland Park, several employers actively recruit new graduates, particularly skilled nursing facilities (SNF) and rehabilitation firms that frequently hire entry-level occupational therapy assistants. School districts are another option, providing attractive summer-off schedules that can appeal to new grad occupational therapy assistant roles in KS. While some outpatient clinics may prefer experienced COTAs, they often offer training opportunities in specific areas like pediatrics or hand therapy for newcomers. Completing an Associate's degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, passing the NBCOT national exam for the COTA credential, and obtaining a state OTA license are essential steps for enhancing starting pay. Realistically, new COTAs should prepare for salary growth in their first three years in the field, especially in light of the recent 15% Medicare Part B cut for OTA-provided services that took effect in 2022. With appropriate experience and credentials, new graduates can anticipate increases in compensation as they establish themselves in this evolving healthcare sector.
More salary data for Overland Park, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapy assistants in Overland Park in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapy assistant salaries grow in Overland Park?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Overland Park?
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How do I become a occupational therapy assistant in Kansas?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new occupational therapy graduates. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Overland Park. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Overland Park is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.81%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapy assistants (SOC 31-2011).
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