Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Emporia, KS: $41.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Emporia, KS runs $41.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,771 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Emporia's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.90 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,065 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Emporia, Kansas, the projected hourly pay for occupational therapists stands at $41.72, which is notably lower than the national median of $49.71. This difference suggests that local occupational therapists may face tighter financial margins, especially in settings such as hospital rehab units and skilled nursing facilities. For those considering flexible work arrangements, part-time opportunities typically amount to around 24 hours per week, translating to approximately $1,000 in weekly earnings, while per-diem work can provide an even broader range of pay per hour, allowing for greater adaptability. With entry-level hourly wages beginning around $32.38 and top earners reaching approximately $52.55, the occupational therapist hourly rate in KS reflects both experience levels and work settings available in Emporia.
About the Emporia Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($85,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.38 | $259.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.55 | $284.36 |
| Median (P50) | $41.72 | $333.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.94 | $383.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.55 | $420.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Emporia
Based on $41.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.72/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Emporia, KS can expect to earn approximately $86,775 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,062. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Emporia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Emporia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,668.75 | $7,231 | $86,775 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,001.25 | $4,339 | $52,065 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $667.50 | $2,892 | $34,710 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Emporia) | $41.72 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $33.15 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist (National Avg) | $43.80 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapists in Emporia, KS earn a median of $86,771 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.08% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 7.70% below the Kansas state average of $94,010.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.72/hr = $52,065/year (purchasing power: $57,277).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,775/year (purchasing power: $95,462).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$34.27/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.48/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.72/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Emporia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.27/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.88/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.29/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.48/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.00/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Emporia grew 18.1% from $34.27/hr (2019) to $40.48/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.00/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Emporia 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 3.06% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapist in Emporia
Exploring the employment landscape reveals that part-time occupational therapists working three days a week in Emporia can expect to earn significantly less compared to their full-time counterparts over the course of a year. Many such professionals can generate an annual income that may reach $61,000 if they work consistently. On the other hand, per diem occupational therapists can benefit financially, often billing between $50 and $75 per hour, with specialized hand therapists holding CHT credentials potentially earning $80 to $110 per hour. Furthermore, travel contracts can range from $1,800 to $2,800 weekly, offering lucrative opportunities. Occupational therapists in Emporia may find variations in pay based on employer type, with potentially higher rates in private practice compared to public sector roles. As health insurance benefits often influence pay negotiations, it’s vital for workers to weigh hourly pay against the value of comprehensive benefits, especially in a market where flexibility and worker preferences continue to evolve.
More salary data for Emporia, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Emporia in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Emporia?
Are occupational therapists in Emporia paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Emporia?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Emporia?
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Written by Jordan Miller, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in occupational therapy. They specialize in pediatrics and work in a rehabilitation clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapists in Emporia. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Emporia 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 3.06%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapists (SOC 29-1122).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov