Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Raytown, MO: $29.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Raytown, MO runs $29.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,330 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Raytown's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,401 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Raytown, the projected median hourly pay for an occupational therapy assistant is $29.97, which is notably lower than the national median of $35.74. This discrepancy can impact individuals working part-time or per diem, who often find roles in diverse settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and even through home health visits. For those in part-time positions, such as a 24-hour workweek, the financial implications can be significant. Entry-level COTAs may earn $23.07 hourly, while experienced professionals can reach rates up to $36.51. This range suggests room for advancement, yet also highlights challenges, particularly with the ongoing adjustments in reimbursement policies affecting overall hourly rates in the field.
About the Raytown Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.07 | $184.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.56 | $212.45 |
| Median (P50) | $29.97 | $239.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.77 | $262.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.51 | $292.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Raytown
Based on $29.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.97/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Raytown, MO can expect to earn approximately $62,336 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,963. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Raytown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Raytown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,198.76 | $5,195 | $62,336 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $719.26 | $3,117 | $37,401 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $479.51 | $2,078 | $24,934 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Raytown) | $29.97 |
| 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 Raytown, MO earn a median of $62,330 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.15% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 3.50% below the Missouri state average of $64,590.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.97/hr = $37,401/year (purchasing power: $41,743).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,336/year (purchasing power: $69,571).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.15/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.97/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Raytown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.78/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.15/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Raytown grew 17.5% from $24.80/hr (2019) to $29.15/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.81/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 Raytown 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 Raytown
Examining the earning potential for occupational therapy assistants, those who opt for part-time work can anticipate earning less annually compared to their full-time counterparts. For many, the choice of per diem or agency work is appealing. In Raytown, per diem occupational therapy assistant pay typically falls between $30 and $45 per hour, and contracts for travel positions can yield between $1,100 and $1,700 weekly. Employers in different sectors such as schools, home health agencies, and outpatient clinics often pay varied rates, reflecting the unique demands and budgets of each setting. Some COTAs may accept lower hourly wages if the position includes health benefits, while others might prioritize higher hourly payment without associated benefits. Individuals in Raytown should prepare for negotiations by understanding local pay scales and market demands, ensuring they advocate effectively for their worth in this essential healthcare role.
More salary data for Raytown, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Raytown. 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 Raytown 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