Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Salina, KS: $65,381 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Salina, KS earns a median $65,381/year (≈ $31.43/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Salina's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $71,926 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.2% below the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Salina, Kansas, occupational therapy assistants are projected to earn a median annual salary of $65,381 in 2026. This figure illustrates a localized pay structure that places these professionals behind the national median of $74,332, reflecting a 12.04% gap. The salary range for occupational therapy assistants in Salina spans from $50,681 at the 10th percentile to $76,109 at the 90th percentile. These estimates derive from BLS state-level data and consider regional price adjustments, revealing the economic pressures impacting local compensation. The post-Medicare cuts landscape has reshaped the opportunities for COTAs in skilled nursing facilities and outpatient settings, underscoring the importance of understanding salary dynamics in this sector.
About the Salina Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,681 | $24.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,142 | $27.95 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,381 | $31.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69,177 | $33.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76,109 | $36.59 |
Median Salary Position
12.04% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Salina
In Salina, KS, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $25,428 (2026 est.). At $65,381, the local median is 12.04% below the national median of $74,332.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Salina: You'd be above the median
How Salina Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Salina median: $65,381/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Salina Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $67,542 | -3.20% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -12.04% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Salina, KS earn a median of $65,381 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.04% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 3.20% below the Kansas state average of $67,542.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Salina has a cost of living 9.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Salina, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $65,381 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $71,926 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$54,103
2025 BLS Actual
$63,594
2026 Current Est.
$65,381
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Salina (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,103 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,361 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,297 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,513 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,941 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,534 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,594 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,381 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,218 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Salina metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $54,103 (2019) to $63,594 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,218 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,115 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salina 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $50,681 – $58,142 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,142 – $65,381 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,381 – $69,177 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $69,177 – $76,109 |
OTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapy assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Market in Salina
With only 11 occupational therapy assistants employed in Salina, the job market remains somewhat limited, affecting overall wage competition. The cost-of-living index in the area stands at 90.9, which suggests that salaries may stretch further in terms of purchasing power when compared to more expensive regions. Among various employers, hospitals typically offer the highest salaries, followed by school districts, outpatient clinics, and skilled nursing facilities, the latter being particularly affected by the ongoing impacts of Medicare reimbursement cuts. This scenario creates a wide pay spectrum: those in hospital roles often benefit from higher productivity expectations and potential weekend work premiums. To maximize pay within Salina’s job market, COTAs should consider seeking positions in high-paying environments and contemplate year-round contracts, a strategy that can enhance earnings stability despite fluctuations in service demand. Understanding this dynamic is crucial for those pursuing or currently in the field of occupational therapy.
More salary data for Salina, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Salina, KS in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Salina?
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How much does a occupational therapy assistant make per hour in Salina?
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $63,594 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Salina metropolitan area. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Salina 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