Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Derby, KS: $32.04 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Derby, KS runs $32.04 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,629 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Derby's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.24 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,980 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Derby, Kansas, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected to be $32.04 for 2026. This rate sits below the national median hourly rate of $35.74, highlighting a regional wage disparity. For part-time workers who may typically operate three days a week, this translates to earning approximately $1,025 per week, which can be appealing for those seeking flexibility in their work schedule. Entry-level hourly rates start at around $23.19, while more experienced professionals may earn up to $38.47. Most occupational therapy assistants in Derby work in various environments, including skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and during home health visits. As with any field, there's a natural range of compensation driven by experience and the specific demands of each workplace.
About the Derby Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.19 | $185.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.28 | $218.20 |
| Median (P50) | $32.04 | $256.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.62 | $276.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.47 | $307.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Derby
Based on $32.04/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.04/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Derby, KS can expect to earn approximately $66,634 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,443. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Derby.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Derby
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,281.42 | $5,553 | $66,634 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $768.85 | $3,332 | $39,980 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $512.57 | $2,221 | $26,654 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Derby) | $32.04 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Derby, KS earn a median of $66,629 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.36% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.40% below the Kansas state average of $67,575.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.04/hr = $39,980/year (purchasing power: $43,983).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,634/year (purchasing power: $73,305).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.16/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.04/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Derby (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.69/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.88/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.16/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.04/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.94/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Derby grew 17.5% from $26.51/hr (2019) to $31.16/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.94/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapy assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Derby 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.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapy Assistant in Derby
Part-time occupational therapy assistants working 24 hours a week can expect to take home about $53,285 annually, significantly less than what full-time staff earn. On the other hand, per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Derby typically ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, allowing for higher earning potential but at the cost of job security. Employers in diverse settings, such as skilled nursing facilities, school districts, and outpatient clinics, may offer varying hourly rates, often influenced by job responsibilities and facility budgets. COTAs must also consider the trade-off between higher hourly wages without benefits versus lower rates that include essential health insurance. Negotiating for an hourly rate, particularly in light of the recent 15% Medicare Part B cut, requires industry knowledge and awareness of prevailing compensation trends in Derby. Familiarity with current pay standards from AOTA or NBCOT can aid in securing a more favorable position.
More salary data for Derby, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Derby in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Derby?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapy assistants in Derby. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Derby 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