Occupational Therapy Assistant in Kansas: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Kansas employs 660 occupational therapy assistants, with a statewide median of $65,010 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Kansas licensing picture, and where to train.
What Occupational therapy assistants Earn in Kansas (May 2025)
- Kansas median pay
- $65,010 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $55,120
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $73,750
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $77,410
- Employed in Kansas
- 660
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $68,340 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for occupational therapy assistants in major Kansas markets:
- Kansas City
- $71,050 (400 employed)
- Wichita
- $64,250 (180 employed)
- Manhattan
- $62,380 (30 employed)
- Topeka
- $61,740 (80 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Kansas
Prices in Kansas run about 10% below the national average (cost-of-living index 90.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $65,010 median stretches to roughly $72,153 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Kansas (2024–2034)
Kansas is projected to grow occupational therapy assistants employment +17.4%, slower than the +19.3% projected nationally. The state expects about 100 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Kansas License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) — regulated by the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts.
- Earn an ACOTE-accredited OTA associate degree.
- Pass the NBCOT certification exam to become a COTA.
- Apply for licensure through the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts.
Official requirements: Kansas State Board of Healing Arts →
Training in Kansas
Strong demand in rehab, pediatrics, and senior care. Confirm ACOTE accreditation and fieldwork placements.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Kansas include:
- Allen County Community College — Associate
- Barton County Community College — Associate
- Cleveland University-Kansas City — Associate
- Coffeyville Community College — Associate
Where Occupational therapy assistants Work in Kansas
Real Kansas outpatient rehab clinics that employ occupational therapy assistants include:
- Tina Harris Physical Therapy — Colby
- Select Physical Therapy — Derby
- Advanced Therapy & Sports Medicine — Great Bend
- Select Physical Therapy - Lenexa — Lenexa
- Continu Care — Mc Pherson
- Genesis Rehabilitation Services — Olathe
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: Patient, practical people who enjoy helping others rebuild daily-life skills.
Think twice if: You want independent desk work or dislike clinical documentation.
Why it's resilient: Occupational therapy support blends hands-on care, adaptation, human context, and patient motivation.
First Steps
Find ACOTE-accredited OTA programs and review fieldwork requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Kansas?
The median wage for occupational therapy assistants in Kansas is $65,010 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $55,120, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $77,410. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Occupational Therapy Assistant in Kansas?
Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA), overseen by the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts. Earn an ACOTE-accredited OTA associate degree.
Is being an Occupational Therapy Assistant a good career in Kansas?
Occupational therapy support blends hands-on care, adaptation, human context, and patient motivation.
Which Kansas metros pay occupational therapy assistants the most?
Among Kansas metro areas, Kansas City leads at $71,050, followed by Wichita ($64,250), Manhattan ($62,380). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become an Occupational Therapy Assistant in Kansas?
Real Kansas options include Allen County Community College, Barton County Community College, Cleveland University-Kansas City. Most occupational therapy assistants start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Occupational Therapy Assistant a growing career in Kansas?
Kansas projects occupational therapy assistants employment to change +17.4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 100 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Kansas statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-2011. Licensing summary compiled from the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Kansas wages · Kansas licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.