Occupational Therapy Assistant salary in Columbia, MO
Occupational Therapy Assistants in the Columbia, MO metro area earn a median of $62,810 a year ($30.20 an hour), based on BLS data for 80 workers.
Pay ranges from $55,560 for the lowest-paid 10% to $73,060 for the top 10%. That is 13% lower than the national median of $72,300. Pay here is 5% lower than the Missouri statewide median of $66,070. There are 0.72 occupational therapy assistants per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 2.2× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $64,900, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for occupational therapy assistants in Columbia, MO
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $55,560 | $26.71 |
| 25th percentile | $60,730 | $29.20 |
| Median | $62,810 | $30.20 |
| 75th percentile | $72,280 | $34.75 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $73,060 | $35.13 |
| Average (mean) | $64,900 | $31.20 |
Half of occupational therapy assistants 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 | $5,234.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,617.08 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,415.77 |
| Weekly | $1,207.88 |
| Hourly | $30.20 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $62,810 salary, see how much house you can afford in Missouri at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Occupational Therapy Assistant salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas City, MO-KS | $71,050 | 400 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $67,450 | 780 |
| Cape Girardeau, MO-IL | $62,010 | 60 |
| Springfield, MO | $61,360 | 120 |
Highest-paying states for occupational therapy assistants
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Maryland | $82,010 |
| California | $81,770 |
| Texas | $81,500 |
| Nevada | $79,510 |
| Arkansas | $78,940 |
| Delaware | $78,640 |
| Washington | $77,590 |
| New Mexico | $77,020 |
| Oregon | $76,850 |
| Georgia | $75,920 |
See Occupational Therapy Assistant 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 |
| Physical Therapist Aide | $29,130 | $14.01 |
| Occupational Therapy Aide | $33,480 | $16.09 |
| 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 31-2011. 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 assistant make in Columbia, MO?
The median salary for occupational therapy assistants in the Columbia, MO metro area is $62,810 a year, or $30.20 an hour. Pay ranges from $55,560 for the lowest-paid 10% to $73,060 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid occupational therapy assistants make in Columbia, MO?
The top 10% of occupational therapy assistants in the Columbia, MO metro area earn at least $73,060 a year. The top 25% earn $72,280 or more.
What is the starting pay for occupational therapy assistants in Columbia, MO?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $55,560 a year, and a quarter of occupational therapy assistants earn $60,730 or less.
How many occupational therapy assistants work in Columbia, MO?
About 80 occupational therapy assistants are employed in the Columbia, MO metro area, not counting the self-employed.