Occupational Therapist salary in Missouri
Occupational Therapists in Missouri earn a median of $97,290 a year ($46.77 an hour), based on BLS data for 3,400 workers.
Pay ranges from $71,880 for the lowest-paid 10% to $120,130 for the top 10%. That is 3% lower than the national median of $100,330. Missouri ranks 32nd of 51 states for occupational therapists pay. There are 1.2 occupational therapists per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $95,200, close to the median.
Pay range for occupational therapists in Missouri
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $71,880 | $34.56 |
| 25th percentile | $81,230 | $39.05 |
| Median | $97,290 | $46.77 |
| 75th percentile | $106,190 | $51.05 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $120,130 | $57.75 |
| Average (mean) | $95,200 | $45.77 |
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 | $8,107.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $4,053.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,741.92 |
| Weekly | $1,870.96 |
| Hourly | $46.77 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Occupational Therapist salary in cities in Missouri
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas City, MO-KS | $99,840 | 1,360 |
| Cape Girardeau, MO-IL | $98,990 | 70 |
| Columbia, MO | $98,550 | 160 |
| 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 |
Related jobs in Missouri
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $81,780 | $39.32 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $129,930 | $62.47 |
| Pharmacist | $137,610 | $66.16 |
| Physical Therapist | $99,310 | $47.75 |
| Physicians, All Other | $227,980 | $109.61 |
| Dental Hygienist | $92,750 | $44.59 |
| Family Medicine Physician | $171,180 | $82.30 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $89,280 | $42.92 |
| Respiratory Therapist | $78,390 | $37.69 |
| Dentists, General | $204,960 | $98.54 |
| Physician Assistant | $135,130 | $64.96 |
| Veterinarian | $114,660 | $55.12 |
| Dietitians and Nutritionists | $65,450 | $31.47 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $242,630 | $116.65 |
More: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations · all salaries in Missouri
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 Missouri?
The median salary for occupational therapists in Missouri is $97,290 a year, or $46.77 an hour. Pay ranges from $71,880 for the lowest-paid 10% to $120,130 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid occupational therapists make in Missouri?
The top 10% of occupational therapists in Missouri earn at least $120,130 a year. The top 25% earn $106,190 or more.
What is the starting pay for occupational therapists in Missouri?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $71,880 a year, and a quarter of occupational therapists earn $81,230 or less.
How many occupational therapists work in Missouri?
About 3,400 occupational therapists are employed in Missouri, not counting the self-employed.