Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Branson, MO: $60,008 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Branson, MO earns a median $60,008/year (≈ $28.85/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Branson's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.6), that paycheck buys what $66,973 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.1% below the Missouri state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Branson, MO, can expect a median annual salary of $60,008 in 2026. With a salary range that extends from $46,825 at the 10th percentile to as high as $70,267 at the 90th percentile, local compensation reflects a blend of BLS estimates and adjustments for regional price parity. These figures show a notable gap when compared to the national median of $74,332, indicating that while the salary might be competitive locally, it falls approximately 19.27% below the national average. Understanding the local job market dynamics is essential, especially in a place like Branson, where the productivity expectations and patient visit frequencies can significantly shape pay structures.
About the Branson Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,825 | $22.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,543 | $25.74 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,008 | $28.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64,094 | $30.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $70,267 | $33.78 |
Median Salary Position
19.27% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Branson
In Branson, MO, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $23,442 (2026 est.). At $60,008, the local median is 19.27% below the national median of $74,332.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Branson: You'd be above the median
How Branson Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Branson median: $60,008/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Branson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $64,594 | -7.10% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -19.27% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Branson, MO earn a median of $60,008 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.27% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 7.10% below the Missouri state average of $64,594.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Branson has a cost of living 10.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Branson, MO has a cost-of-living index of 89.6 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $60,008 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $66,973 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$49,657
2025 BLS Actual
$58,368
2026 Current Est.
$60,008
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Branson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,657 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,812 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,835 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,869 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,097 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,624 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,368 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,008 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,694 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Branson metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $49,657 (2019) to $58,368 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,694 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,037 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Branson 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) | $46,825 – $53,543 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,543 – $60,008 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,008 – $64,094 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $64,094 – $70,267 |
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 Branson
Currently, only four occupational therapy assistants are employed in Branson, reflecting a limited but stable job market for this profession. The area's cost of living index stands at 89.6, suggesting that while salaries may be lower than the national average, residents might enjoy greater purchasing power due to lower living costs. Employers that tend to offer higher salaries include skilled nursing facilities, hospital inpatient rehab, and home health agencies, often providing a clearer pathway for advancement. The variation in salaries is influenced by several factors such as work setting, productivity expectations, and the recent 15% decline in Medicare reimbursements for services provided by occupational therapy assistants. For those looking to maximize their pay in Branson, taking on weekend shifts, pursuing PRN work, or seeking year-round contracts with higher hourly rates may be advantageous strategies in this evolving market.
More salary data for Branson, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Branson, MO in 2026?
Is Branson, MO a good place to work as a occupational therapy assistant?
Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Branson?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapy assistant salary in Branson?
How much does a occupational therapy assistant make per hour in Branson?
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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 $58,368 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Branson 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 Branson 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