Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Lee's Summit, MO: $64,007 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Lee's Summit, MO earns a median $64,007/year (≈ $30.77/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Lee's Summit's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.6), that paycheck buys what $71,436 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Missouri state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, an occupational therapy assistant salary in Lee's Summit is projected at $64,007, which is significantly lower than the national median of $74,332, reflecting a disparity often observed in salary structures within different care settings. The pay range varies considerably, with entry-level positions starting at about $45,562 and top earners making as much as $82,769. These figures are based on estimates from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost differences. The local job market is shaped by shifts in reimbursement rates post-Medicare cuts, directly impacting the compensation structures in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), schools, and hospital settings.
About the Lee's Summit Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,562 | $21.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,280 | $26.09 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,007 | $30.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,072 | $34.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82,769 | $39.80 |
Median Salary Position
13.89% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lee's Summit
In Lee's Summit, MO, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,207 (2026 est.). At $64,007, the local median is 13.89% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Lee's Summit: You'd be above the median
How Lee's Summit Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Lee's Summit median: $64,007/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lee's Summit Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $64,589 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -13.89% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Lee's Summit, MO earn a median of $64,007 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.89% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 0.90% below the Missouri state average of $64,589.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lee's Summit 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.
Lee's Summit, MO has a cost-of-living index of 89.6 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $64,007 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $71,436 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$52,967
2025 BLS Actual
$62,258
2026 Current Est.
$64,007
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Lee's Summit (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,967 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,198 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,156 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,326 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,703 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,064 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,258 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,007 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,806 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lee's Summit metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $52,967 (2019) to $62,258 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,806 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,839 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lee's Summit 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) | $45,562 – $54,280 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,280 – $64,007 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,007 – $72,072 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,072 – $82,769 |
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 Lee's Summit
The local market currently employs approximately 20 occupational therapy assistants, which highlights a stable yet competitive employment situation in Lee's Summit, MO. With a cost-of-living index of 89.6, the purchasing power for COTAs is somewhat enhanced compared to national averages, allowing for a reasonable standard of living despite lower salaries. Among employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehab centers often provide the highest wages, particularly when defined productivity expectations and the demands of weekend or PRN shifts are factored in. Variations in pay result from the scope of contract work, particularly in school settings where contracts may not span the entire year, paired with the effects of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut. For those looking to maximize their pay in Lee's Summit, pursuing positions in inpatient rehab and focusing on continuing education or specialty certifications can enhance job market appeal.
More salary data for Lee's Summit, 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
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 $62,258 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Lee's Summit 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 Lee's Summit 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