Occupational Therapy Aide salary in Columbia, MO
Occupational Therapy Aides in the Columbia, MO metro area earn a median of $33,480 a year ($16.09 an hour), based on BLS data for 30 workers.
Pay ranges from $33,480 for the lowest-paid 10% to $47,210 for the top 10%. That is 15% lower than the national median of $39,160. Pay here is 14% lower than the Missouri statewide median of $38,890. There are 0.30 occupational therapy aides per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 10.7× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $37,190, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for occupational therapy aides in Columbia, MO
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $33,480 | $16.09 |
| 25th percentile | $33,480 | $16.09 |
| Median | $33,480 | $16.09 |
| 75th percentile | $44,620 | $21.45 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $47,210 | $22.70 |
| Average (mean) | $37,190 | $17.88 |
Half of occupational therapy aides 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 | $2,790 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,395 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,287.69 |
| Weekly | $643.85 |
| Hourly | $16.09 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Occupational Therapy Aide salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $38,600 | 60 |
Highest-paying states for occupational therapy aides
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| North Carolina | $66,190 |
| New York | $46,220 |
| Washington | $45,890 |
| Nebraska | $44,980 |
| Connecticut | $44,840 |
| New Jersey | $44,470 |
| California | $43,480 |
| New Mexico | $43,170 |
| Massachusetts | $40,160 |
| Colorado | $40,110 |
See Occupational Therapy Aide pay in every state or the Missouri statewide figures.
Related jobs in Columbia, MO
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant | $63,540 | $30.55 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | $62,810 | $30.20 |
| Physical Therapist Aide | $29,130 | $14.01 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $36,860 | $17.72 |
| Nursing Assistant | $41,290 | $19.85 |
| Medical Assistant | $41,350 | $19.88 |
| Dental Assistant | $46,920 | $22.56 |
| Medical Equipment Preparer | $46,340 | $22.28 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | $34,900 | $16.78 |
| Medical Transcriptionist | $36,820 | $17.70 |
| Pharmacy Aide | $41,020 | $19.72 |
More: Healthcare Support Occupations · all salaries in Columbia, MO
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 31-2012. 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 therapy aide make in Columbia, MO?
The median salary for occupational therapy aides in the Columbia, MO metro area is $33,480 a year, or $16.09 an hour. Pay ranges from $33,480 for the lowest-paid 10% to $47,210 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid occupational therapy aides make in Columbia, MO?
The top 10% of occupational therapy aides in the Columbia, MO metro area earn at least $47,210 a year. The top 25% earn $44,620 or more.
What is the starting pay for occupational therapy aides in Columbia, MO?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $33,480 a year, and a quarter of occupational therapy aides earn $33,480 or less.
How many occupational therapy aides work in Columbia, MO?
About 30 occupational therapy aides are employed in the Columbia, MO metro area, not counting the self-employed.