Occupational Therapist salary in Columbia, MO
Occupational Therapists in the Columbia, MO metro area earn a median of $98,550 a year ($47.38 an hour), based on BLS data for 160 workers.
Pay ranges from $71,620 for the lowest-paid 10% to $129,360 for the top 10%. That is 2% lower than the national median of $100,330. Pay here is 1% higher than the Missouri statewide median of $97,290. There are 1.5 occupational therapists per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.4× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $96,740, close to the median.
Pay range for occupational therapists in Columbia, MO
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $71,620 | $34.44 |
| 25th percentile | $82,320 | $39.58 |
| Median | $98,550 | $47.38 |
| 75th percentile | $107,590 | $51.73 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $129,360 | $62.19 |
| Average (mean) | $96,740 | $46.51 |
Half of occupational therapists earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $8,212.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $4,106.25 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,790.38 |
| Weekly | $1,895.19 |
| Hourly | $47.38 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Occupational Therapist salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas City, MO-KS | $99,840 | 1,360 |
| Cape Girardeau, MO-IL | $98,990 | 70 |
| Springfield, MO | $97,200 | 270 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $95,770 | 1,860 |
| Jefferson City, MO | $95,110 | 50 |
| Joplin, MO-KS | $93,410 | 70 |
| St. Joseph, MO-KS | $92,640 | 60 |
Highest-paying states for occupational therapists
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| California | $124,510 |
| Oregon | $112,310 |
| Nevada | $110,520 |
| District of Columbia | $109,170 |
| Washington | $107,670 |
| Maryland | $106,980 |
| Colorado | $106,720 |
| Arkansas | $106,360 |
| Texas | $106,140 |
| Oklahoma | $104,300 |
See Occupational Therapist pay in every state or the Missouri statewide figures.
Related jobs in Columbia, MO
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $84,330 | $40.54 |
| Family Medicine Physician | $69,590 | $33.46 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $128,930 | $61.99 |
| Pharmacist | $139,430 | $67.03 |
| Physical Therapist | $83,320 | $40.06 |
| Physicians, All Other | $312,080 | $150.04 |
| Respiratory Therapist | $69,400 | $33.36 |
| Dental Hygienist | $86,300 | $41.49 |
| Physician Assistant | $132,220 | $63.57 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $97,610 | $46.93 |
| Veterinarian | $99,620 | $47.89 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $310,170 | $149.12 |
| Dietitians and Nutritionists | $66,640 | $32.04 |
| Dentists, General | $207,450 | $99.74 |
More: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations · all salaries in Columbia, MO
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 29-1122. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a occupational therapist make in Columbia, MO?
The median salary for occupational therapists in the Columbia, MO metro area is $98,550 a year, or $47.38 an hour. Pay ranges from $71,620 for the lowest-paid 10% to $129,360 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid occupational therapists make in Columbia, MO?
The top 10% of occupational therapists in the Columbia, MO metro area earn at least $129,360 a year. The top 25% earn $107,590 or more.
What is the starting pay for occupational therapists in Columbia, MO?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $71,620 a year, and a quarter of occupational therapists earn $82,320 or less.
How many occupational therapists work in Columbia, MO?
About 160 occupational therapists are employed in the Columbia, MO metro area, not counting the self-employed.